In this episode of Life’s Third Act, host Joe Cordell and co-host Sherry Farmer explore the fascinating and controversial case of legendary actor Gene Hackman’s death and estate plan.

Known for iconic roles in The French Connection, Mississippi Burning, and Hoosiers, Hackman was an Oscar-winning actor with a substantial net worth. After retiring from Hollywood, he lived a quiet life with his wife, Betsy Arakawa, until their unexpected deaths in February 2025 raised questions about their estate.

Hackman’s will left his entire fortune to his wife—but Arakawa’s will included an unusual clause: if they died within 90 days of each other, their combined estate would go to charity. Joe Cordell examines the legal implications, estate planning strategy, and the potential impact of simultaneous death clauses.

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Tune in for Part Two, where we uncover the inner workings of Hackman’s estate and critical insights into wills, trusts, and estate planning for couples, especially for those with significant assets.

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