Gene Hackman-Betsy Arakawa will: What happens to $80 million fortune of Hollywood’s legendary actor?

Gene Hackman and his wife Betsy Arakawa, who were found dead in their home last month, continue to remain in the spotlight over the fortune they left. The mysterious death sent shock waves across Hollywood industry. Two weeks after the recovery of their bodies, the details of their wills have been revealed.

Hackman, the Hollywood legend, left his estimated $80 million fortune to his successor trustee Betsy Arakawa, the Daily Mail reported. The two-time Oscar-winner made Betsy his sole beneficiary back in 1995, TMZ reported citing documents. Notably, Gene Hackman had not updated his will since June 2005.

How much fortune did Gene Hackman leave behind for his three children?

The twist in the tale comes with regard to the fortune legendary actor left for his three children, namely son Christopher (65) and two daughters Leslie (58) and Elizabeth (62).

As per Gene Hackman's will, all of the actor's fortune would have been inherited by Betsy after his death but the timing of their deaths could change where the money now belongs. Despite the fact that Gene Hackman did mention his children in his will, they would presumably inherit Gene's estate as they are the direct living heirs.

As per reports, Betsy passed away a week before Hackman's death due to hantavirus. Hackman, who was struggling with Alzheimer's disease, did not report his wife's death and died due to due to cardiovascular disease.

As per Betsy's will, most of her assets would have been inherited by Gene Hackman, but according to a specific provision this clause would not apply if they died within 90 days of each other. This would be considered a simultaneous death, and in that case all of her assets would go to charity, Betsy's will stated. Betsy's New Mexico community property state could probably go to charity, assuming that the classical pianist did not have any kid of her own, TMZ reported.

Chris reportedly hired estate attorney Andrew M. Katzenstein and may challenge the will. Meanwhile, a representative for the estate of Gene Hackman and Betsy Arakawa, Julia Peters, reportedly sought preliminary injunction from the court in view of the deceased couple's right to privacy. Julia Peters seeks to refrain authorities from releasing any photo or video of evidence of the death scene.