Gene Hackman’s First Wife Faye Maltese: Untold Truth About Her

Faye Maltese was a famous spouse who came into the spotlight after her marriage to retired American actor and writer Jane Hackman. Her husband is also the winner of two Academy Awards, four Golden Globes, one Screen Actors Guild Award, two BAFTA Awards, and one Silver Bear Award. Sad to say, the star’s wife Faye has already left this world.

Maltese and her beau celebrated almost three decades of marriage. Despite the strong bond and such a long-lasting collaboration, the duo subsequently broke up. However, the former couple was the proud parents of three children during their marriage. She was the first wife of Gene Hackman to be with him since his difficult period as an actor.

Although husband and wife stood by each other through the ups and downs of life, things did not work out for both of them later on. So Heckman moved on to his second bride, Betsy Arakawa. The couple is still together, albeit with a 30-year age difference. So, did Heckman’s ex-wife also marry after the divorce? What was the reason for Faye and her ex-husband’s divorce?

Take a look at the article below to find out all about Gene Hackman’s ex-wife Faye Maltesers.

Who Was Gene Hackman’s First Wife, Faye Maltese?

The Golden Globe Award winner’s first wife, Faye Maltese, lived in New York. She was born Faye Philippa Maltese in the United States in 1929. In addition, the celebrity’s wife had American citizenship and mixed ethnicity, coming from an Italian family.

As Faye Maltese only became famous after her wedding, there is not much information about her early years. However, we have found out that at that time she was working in a New York bank as a chemical bank clerk to support her family.

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Faye Maltese And Her Ex-Husband Heckman Had Love At First Sight

As we mentioned earlier, Faye’s ex-husband was not famous when she met him. He was only 25 years old and in the army. Meanwhile, Maltese was working as a secretary at a bank in Rockefeller Centre. She met him in New York in 1955.

On their first meeting, the former duo hit it off immediately and started dating without any delay. Faye and her boyfriend-turned-husband Heckman were romantically involved for almost a year. Eventually, the then-boyfriend and girlfriend decided to make their union official by tying the knot.

The former couple then walked down the aisle in 1956. They were married in a private wedding ceremony among their closest friends and family.

During the ceremony, the former husband and wife became the parents of three children, one son, and two daughters. They named their son Christopher Allen Hackman and their daughters Leslie Anne Hackman and Elizabeth Jean Hackman.

Faye Maltese And Gene Heckman’s Divorce After 30 Years of Marriage

Maltesaes ex-husband struggled with his acting career during their marriage. He left the army because he always knew he wanted a career in acting. So he took an acting course at the Pasadena Playhouse. Although Malta’s former beauty was not established in her profession, she stood by him, worked in a bank, and supported their family.

Perhaps because he wanted recognition and money, he devoted all his time to succeed. Faye’s friend became so ambitious that he turned to work only, even though he had a family.

According to the New York Times, the actor said,

“You become very selfish as an actor. Even though I  had a family, I took jobs that would separate us for three or four months at a time. The temptations in that, the money and recognition, it was too much for the poor boy in me. I wasn’t able to handle that.”

Well, the actor’s great ambition and the fact that he could devote time to his wife and family caused his relationship with his ex-wife to end. A mother of three, Faye still managed to stay with him for 30 years, but she couldn’t last much longer. They eventually separated in 1986, despite the fact that no statements were made about the reasons for the divorce.

Did Faye Marry Again After Her Divorce?

No, there is no record of Fay Maltese getting engaged to anyone after her divorce from her ex-partner. In fact, it can be said that she completely withdrew from the public eye until her death in 2017.

On the other hand, her former partner continued to exchange vows with his second wife; Betsy Arakawa; who is 30 years younger than him. The couple married in 1991 and have a house in Santa Fe, New Mexico. John Hackman is still married to her.

Faye Maltese Obituary; When Did She Die?

Maltese closed her eyes for good on 26 April 2017 at the age of 88. Her death broke the hearts of her family and fans.

As there are no reports of her illness or accidents, she probably died of natural causes. However, neither her family nor her former spouse has said anything about it.

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Where is Faye’s Ex- Mate Gene Hackman Now?

The Academy Award winner retired from his profession in 2004. He has given up social media and is now living a quiet life. He now has a good relationship with his children, and his current wife is also close to them.

The 92-year-old actor wants to live out his remaining days in peace, so he lives at his home in Santa Fe, New Mexico. However, he is occasionally spotted riding his e-bike around town.

What Is Faye Maltese’s Net Worth?

Since Faye used to work in a bank, she must have earned a decent amount of money back then. However, the exact amount of her income has not yet been revealed.

Meanwhile, her ex-husband Gene Hackman has amassed a net worth of $80 million thanks to his burgeoning career as an actor and writer.

Quick Facts About Faye Maltese