Who is Gene Hackman’s daughter Elizabeth Jean Hackman – and what does she think caused her father and Betsy Arakawa’s deaths? The 63-year-old says the family believes toxic fumes could be the culprit

Feb 28 , 2025

Actor Gene Hackman and daughter Elizabeth Hackman at the screening of Superman together in 1978, at the Kennedy Center in Washington DC. Photo: Getty Images

Gene Hackman was found dead at 95 with his 65-year-old wife Betsy Arakawa and one of their dogs; his daughter Elizabeth told the press she thinks they may have died from toxic fumes

Hollywood is mourning the loss of one of its GOATs, Gene Hackman, who was tragically found dead with his wife Betsy Arakawa and one of their dogs at the couple’s Santa Fe home.

A cheerful Gene Hackman and Betsy Arakawa at the 60th Annual Golden Globe Awards together in 2003. Photo: AP

“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,” his daughters and granddaughter shared in a statement Thursday. “We will miss him sorely and are devastated by the loss.”

Gene Hackman and his second wife Betsy Arakawa leaving a restaurant in New Mexico in March 2024. Photo: Imago/Zuma Press/TNS

It’s currently unclear what the cause of death was, but one of Gene’s children, Elizabeth Jean Hackman, told TMZ that the family believe toxic fumes could be to blame. She added that law enforcement found no signs of foul play, though Santa Fe County Sheriff Adan Mendoza told the media outlet that they are still investigating the case.

Gene Hackman and Elizabeth Hackman in 1979 on Rodeo Drive in Beverly Hills, California. Photo: Ron Galella Collection via Getty Images

The house, which was reportedly built in 2000, is said to be fairly modern. Elizabeth, now 63, also told TMZ that her father and Arakawa had been living in the home since his retirement from acting in 2004. She also said that his favourite film was The French Connection.

So, who is Gene Hackman’s daughter, Elizabeth Jean Hackman – and where is she today?

Who are Elizabeth Jean Hackman’s parents?

Gene Hackman and his first wife Faye Maltese pictured together in 1972. Photo: Central Press Photo

Elizabeth Jean Hackman was born to Gene Hackman and his first wife Faye Maltese in August 1962, notes the New York Post. She is one of three children – including her older brother Christopher Allen and her younger sister Leslie – from Gene’s marriage to Maltese.