Gene Hackman, a two-time Academy Award-winning actor, was known for his iconic roles in films like The French Connection, Superman, and Unforgiven. But beyond his Hollywood stardom, he was also a father. Hackman had three children—Christopher Allen, Elizabeth Jean, and Leslie Anne—with his first wife, Faye Maltese, whom he was married to from 1956 until their divorce in 1986. Unlike their famous father, his kids lived relatively private lives, rarely making headlines or appearing in the limelight. However, glimpses of their lives and their relationships with Hackman have surfaced over the years.
Meet Gene Hackman’s Children: All About His Three Kids—Christopher Allen, Elizabeth Jean, and Leslie Anne
Gene Hackman’s eldest child, Christopher Allen Hackman, was born in 1960. Despite being the son of a Hollywood legend, Christopher largely avoided the spotlight. In a 1984 interview about his film Misunderstood, Hackman spoke about his relationship with his son, mentioning that they still hugged even in Christopher’s 20s. “I thank God that we are able to do that,” Hackman said, highlighting the warmth they maintained.
However, in a 2011 GQ interview, Hackman admitted that he had lost touch with Christopher when it came to offering fatherly advice. The actor’s demanding career took him away for long periods, and he found it difficult to reestablish authority when he returned home. Christopher once considered following in his father’s footsteps and pursued acting in New York for a time. Hackman even wrote a few monologues for him, but ultimately, Christopher chose a different path.
Elizabeth Jean Hackman, the second child, was born in August 1962. Unlike her brother, very little is known about Elizabeth’s life. However, Hackman once shared an anecdote about a difficult period in his career when he had to borrow his daughter’s car—a rundown Toyota—to drive to Hollywood interviews. He admitted to parking it blocks away from the studios to avoid being seen as struggling.
While she remained private, Elizabeth was occasionally spotted with her father at events. In December 1978, she attended a screening of Superman at the Kennedy Center in Washington, D.C., and in October 1996, she joined her sister Leslie and stepmother Betsy Arakawa at the premiere of The Chamber.
Leslie Anne Hackman, the youngest of the three, was born in October 1966. Like her siblings, she kept a low profile but was often photographed accompanying her father to various film premieres. In 1984, she attended the Golden Globe Awards with him, and in 1990, she joined him at the premiere of The Godfather Part III. Hackman once recalled that Leslie had watched his film Misunderstood and was deeply affected by it. He believed her reaction stemmed from the film’s emotional weight rather than his performance in it. Her appreciation for the movie led her to recommend it to her friends, a small but telling detail of her cinematic tastes.
Gene Hackman was aware of the challenges his children faced growing up in the shadow of his success. In a 2000 interview with The Irish Independent, he admitted, “It’s tough being the son or daughter of a celebrity. I couldn’t always be home with them when they were growing up, and then, living in California, they’ve had my success always hanging over their heads.”
Despite the fame and fortune, Hackman valued his role as a father, even if his career sometimes placed distance between him and his children. His decision to turn down directing The Silence of the Lambs was, in part, influenced by his kids, who advised him against it. He later expressed no regrets about stepping away from the opportunity.
Gene Hackman married classical pianist Betsy Arakawa in 1991, five years after his divorce from Faye Maltese. However, he and Arakawa did not have any kids together. Instead, they lived a quiet life in Santa Fe, New Mexico, where Hackman focused on writing novels and enjoying a more private existence after retiring from acting in 2004.
In his later years, Hackman reflected on his relationship with his children with both pride and regret. He acknowledged that his long absences during film shoots made it difficult to maintain close relationships. However, he cherished the moments they shared, particularly with Christopher, with whom he maintained a bond strong enough to keep hugs a part of their routine even into adulthood.
Gene Hackman has passed away at the age of 95.
Gene was one of the greatest actors of his, or anyone’s generation. He was a powerhouse, as adept at comedy as he was drama. Today is a very sad day, we’ve lost a legend. Gene was a giant of cinema.
R.I.P Gene Hackman pic.twitter.com/iL19ky4not
— The Sting (@TheStingisBack) February 27, 2025
When Gene Hackman passed away at 95 on February 26, 2025, alongside his wife Betsy Arakawa, it marked the end of a remarkable career and life. While his performances on screen captivated audiences for decades, those who knew him personally, including his kids, carried with them a more intimate understanding of the man behind the roles. Though they remained largely out of the public eye, Christopher, Elizabeth, and Leslie were a significant part of his journey—one that, despite the challenges of fame, Hackman never stopped valuing.
