Gene Hackman’s kids: All about the late actor’s three children

Gene Hackman was a father of three. Getty Images

Gene Hackman, who was found dead in his New Mexico home in February 2025 at age 95, is survived by three children.

The legendary actor welcomed son Christopher, daughter Elizabeth and daughter Leslie while married to then-wife Faye Maltese.

The former couple tied the knot in 1956, divorcing three decades later.

The late actor welcomed Christopher, Elizabeth and Leslie with ex-wife Faye Maltese. Sygma via Getty Images He moved on with Betsy Arakawa, with whom he did not share kids. AP

Hackman moved on with wife Betsy Arakawa in 1991.

The pianist died alongside Hackman in 2025, as well as their dog, with the Santa Fe County sheriff saying at the time that no foul play was suspected.

Get to know Hackman’s children below in the wake of his passing.

Christopher Allen Hackman

The Oscar winner became a dad in 1960. Getty Images Maltese gave birth to son Christopher Allen. Penske Media via Getty Images

Hackman became a dad in 1960 when Maltese gave birth to baby boy Christopher Allen.

The Oscar winner made rare comments about his son over the years, including confirmation in 1984 that they “still hug[ged] to this day.”

He gushed, “I thank God that we are able to do that. I don’t think we’ll ever have a point where we have to shake hands.”

Hackman’s children have primarily stayed out of the public eye. Ron Galella Collection via Getty Images He has made rare comments about them over the years. NBAE via Getty Images

In a 2011 GQ interview, Hackman explained why he “lost touch” with Christopher “in terms of advice early on.”

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 continued.

Elizabeth Jean Hackman

Hackman’s daughter Elizabeth Jean was born in 1962. Ron Galella Collection via Getty Images She attended events with him, including the “Superman” screening pictured above. Ron Galella Collection via Getty Images

In August 1962, Hackman and Maltese expanded their family with Elizabeth Jean.

The Golden Globe winner’s eldest daughter joined him for rare appearances over the years, from the “Superman” screening in 1978 to the “Chamber” premiere in 1996.

While Hackman didn’t specify which daughter he was referring to, he admitted to Cigar Aficionado in 2000 that he “used to borrow” her “piece of s–t Toyota” to drive to Hollywood during a tough time in his career.

While Hackman’s children have maintained their privacy and their careers are not known, the “French Connection” star did once tell the Irish Independent how difficult it was to have him for a father.

“Living in California, they’ve had my success always hanging over their heads,” he explained in 2000.

Leslie Anne Hackman

Hackman’s youngest child, daughter Leslie Anne, arrived in 1966. Getty Images She accompanied her father to events, with the duo pictured above at the “Class Action” premiere. Ron Galella Collection via Getty Images

Christopher and Elizabeth were joined by little sister Leslie Anne in October 1966.

She was by Hackman’s side at the 1984 Golden Globes, also attending the premieres for “The Godfather Part III” and “Class Action” in the ’90s.

While Hackman didn’t specify which daughter he was referring to, he admitted to Cigar Aficionado in 2000 that he “used to borrow” her “piece of s–t Toyota” to drive to Hollywood during a tough time in his career.