Who was Gene Hackman’s first wife Faye Maltese? All about the family as children pay tribute to late father

Gene Hackman’s children, including his daughters, Elizabeth and Leslie Hackman and granddaughter, Annie, have penned a heartfelt tribute on his recent passing.

According to a statement shared with People magazine, they wrote:

"It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of our father, Gene Hackman and his wife, Betsy. He was loved and admired by millions around the world for his brilliant acting career, but to us he was always just Dad and Grandpa. We will miss him sorely and are devastated by the loss."

The actor (95) was reportedly discovered dead on February 26, 2025, along with his wife Betsy Arakawa (64) and their dog at their home in Santa Fe, New Mexico, by the police authorities.

Hackman married twice in his life, and he was reportedly with his second wife until he passed away. His first wife was Faye Maltese, who was a secretary at a New York bank, according to a report in the Irish Independent. The two were married for 30 years before they decided to go their separate ways.

His death has sparked a sudden interest in his family life and the legacy he leaves behind. Let’s delve deeper to explore his family and children.

---

Gene Hackman's life and family

Gene Hackman was married to his first wife Faye Maltese from 1956 to 1986. He reflected upon his divorce in Dailymail, as he spoke about how his career choices distanced him from his family.

“You become very selfish as an actor. You spend so many years wanting desperately to be recognised as having the talent and then when you're starting to be offered these parts, it's very tough to turn anything down.” The celebrated actor said.

“Even though I had a family, I took jobs that would separate us for three or four months at a time.” He added.

Faye passed away at the age of 88 in 2017 as per a report in Hollywood Life. Together they shared three children, Christopher Allen, Elizabeth Jean, Leslie Ann.

---

Christopher Allen Hackman

Faye and Gene welcomed their first child, a son Christopher Allen in 1960. According to a report on Page Six, he mentioned why he lost contact with him. As of 2025, he is 65 years old.

He said,

“Maybe it had to do with being gone so much, doing location films when he was at an age where he needed support and guidance.”

“It was very tough for me to be gone for three months and then come home and start bossing him around,” Hackman added.

Elizabeth Jean Hackman

Elizabeth was welcomed into the world by Gene and his first wife in August 1962. She has been spotted along with her father on several occasions over the years, some of which included the Superman screening in 1978 at the Chamber premiere in 1996, according to Page Six. According to her birth year, she would turn 63 in 2025.

Leslie Anne Hackman

Leslie is Gene Hackman’s youngest child, who was born in 1966. Just like her elder sister, she made appearances with her father, particularly at the 1984 Golden Globes, and also attended the premieres for The Godfather Part III and Class Action in the ’90s, as per Page Six report.

Hackman married his second wife Betsy Arakawa in 1991. She was 30 years younger to him and shared no biological kids, as reported by The List.