Faye Maltese was the first wife of legendary Hollywood actor Gene Hackman. She spent more than three decades married to him, long before and during his rise to fame. While Gene Hackman became one of the most respected actors in film history, she chose a quiet and private life. Because of this, many people today search to learn who she was, her age, death, family, and her role in Gene Hackman’s life.
Quick Bio Table of Faye Maltese
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Filipa Faye Maltese |
| Known As | Faye Maltese |
| Date of Birth | December 18, 1928 |
| Place of Birth | New York City, USA |
| Nationality | American |
| Famous For | First wife of Gene Hackman |
| Spouse | Gene Hackman (1956–1986) |
| Children | 3 (Christopher, Elizabeth, Leslie) |
| Marriage Duration | Around 30 years |
| Divorce Year | 1986 |
| Date of Death | April 26, 2017 |
| Age at Death | 88 years |
| Place of Death | Beverly Hills, California |
Early Life and Background
Faye Maltese was born on December 18, 1928, in New York City, United States. Some public records list her full name as Filipa Faye Maltese. She grew up during a time when life was simple and far from Hollywood glamour. There is very little public information about her parents, childhood, or education because she never shared these details publicly.
From an early age, she lived a normal and quiet life. She had no connection to the entertainment industry and did not seek attention. This private nature stayed with her throughout her life.
Life Before Marriage
Before marrying Gene Hackman, Faye Maltese lived like many women of her generation. She worked regular jobs and focused on building a stable life. She was not involved in acting, modeling, or media, and she never tried to enter Hollywood.
Her early adult life remains mostly unknown, not because it lacked importance, but because she chose not to live in the public eye. This decision later made her one of the most private people connected to a major Hollywood star.
How Faye Maltese Met Gene Hackman
Many biographies state that Faye Maltese met Gene Hackman in the early 1950s in New York City. One commonly repeated story says they met at a YMCA dance, a simple and ordinary event. At that time, Hackman was struggling as an actor and working small jobs to survive.
Their relationship began long before fame entered their lives. During this period, she supported him emotionally while his acting career was still uncertain.
Marriage and Wedding Life
In 1956, Faye Maltese married Gene Hackman. Their marriage began without fame or wealth. They built their life together step by step, facing challenges like financial pressure and career uncertainty.
The couple stayed married for 30 years, which is rare in Hollywood. During these years, she focused on home and family while Hackman slowly built his reputation in the film industry.
Supporting Gene Hackman’s Early Career
In the early years of marriage, success did not come easily. Faye Maltese stood by her husband through rejection and small roles. She believed in his talent when there was no guarantee of success.
Her support created a stable home environment, allowing Hackman to focus on auditions, acting classes, and theater work without added pressure.
Life During Gene Hackman’s Rise to Fame
As Gene Hackman’s career grew, family life changed. He starred in famous films like Bonnie and Clyde, The French Connection, The Conversation, Superman, and Unforgiven. These roles made him an international star.
While he traveled for film shoots, Faye Maltese stayed home, managing family responsibilities. She avoided public events, red carpets, and interviews whenever possible.
Family Life and Children
Faye Maltese and Gene Hackman had three children together: Christopher Allen Hackman, Elizabeth Jean Hackman, and Leslie Anne Hackman. She played a major role in raising them and protecting them from media attention.
Her children grew up away from Hollywood pressure, which reflected her strong belief in privacy and normal family life.
Challenges in the Marriage
As fame increased, challenges followed. Long filming schedules and time away from home created emotional distance. Gene Hackman later admitted that his career often came before his family.
Despite these challenges, Faye Maltese never spoke publicly about marital problems. She handled personal matters quietly and with dignity.
Divorce After 30 Years
In 1986, Faye Maltese and Gene Hackman divorced. The separation happened without public drama or controversy. After three decades together, they chose a peaceful and private ending to their marriage.
Following the divorce, she stepped away from public life completely and avoided media attention.
Life After Divorce
After the divorce, Faye Maltese lived quietly in California, staying close to her children. She did not remarry and did not seek attention because of her past marriage.
Her post-divorce life remained private, showing that her quiet nature was a lifelong choice, not just a reaction to fame.
Gene Hackman’s Second Wife
After divorcing Faye Maltese, Gene Hackman married Betsy Arakawa in 1991. Betsy Arakawa was a classical pianist and much younger than Hackman.
Many online searches connect the two women, but they never shared a personal relationship. Their connection exists only through Gene Hackman’s life.
Is Faye Maltese Still Alive?
Many people ask if Faye Maltese is still alive. She passed away on April 26, 2017, in Beverly Hills, California. She was 88 years old at the time of her death.
Her passing received little media attention, which matched the way she lived her life.
Cause of Death
The official cause of death of Faye Maltese was not publicly shared. No confirmed medical details were released by the family or major news sources.
Because she lived privately, this information remains undisclosed. Any claims online without strong sources should be treated carefully.
Obituary and Memorial Information
There is no widely published newspaper obituary for Faye Maltese. Most verified information comes from memorial records and public databases.
These records confirm her birth date, death date, marriage, and children, offering a respectful summary of her life.
Net Worth and Financial Details
There is no confirmed public information about Faye Maltese net worth. Many online numbers are estimates and not reliable.
She did not earn money through acting or business ventures. Any financial support likely came from private family arrangements after divorce.
Why People Still Search for Faye Maltese
People continue to search for Faye Maltese because of her long marriage to Gene Hackman and her role during his rise to fame. Common searches include faye maltese wikipedia, faye maltese age, faye maltese death, and gene hackman wife faye maltese.
Her story represents the unseen side of Hollywood success.
Public Images and Photos
Only a small number of public photos of Faye Maltese exist. Most images show her with Gene Hackman during early public appearances.
She avoided cameras and interviews, which makes her images rare today.
Personality and Values
Those who knew her described Faye Maltese as calm, loyal, and family-focused. She valued privacy, dignity, and stability more than public recognition.
Even after divorce, she never used her connection to fame for personal gain.
Relationship With Her Children
Her children remained close to her throughout her life. She worked hard to protect them from Hollywood pressure and media attention.
This strong family bond continued into her later years and remains part of her legacy.
Cultural Importance of Her Story
Although she was not a celebrity, Faye Maltese played an important role in supporting one of Hollywood’s greatest actors during his hardest years.
Her life highlights how unseen support can shape great success.
Final Years and Passing
In her final years, Faye Maltese lived peacefully in California. She stayed close to family and avoided public attention until her death in 2017.
Her passing marked the end of a quiet life connected to classic Hollywood history.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who was Faye Maltese?
Faye Maltese was the first wife of Gene Hackman and the mother of his three children.
When did Faye Maltese marry Gene Hackman?
She married Gene Hackman in 1956, long before he became famous.
How long were Faye Maltese and Gene Hackman married?
They were married for about 30 years, divorcing in 1986.
Is Faye Maltese still alive?
No, Faye Maltese passed away on April 26, 2017, at the age of 88.
Did Faye Maltese remarry after divorce?
No, there is no public record of her remarrying.
Legacy and Final Thoughts
Faye Maltese will always be remembered as more than just Gene Hackman’s ex-wife. She was a devoted mother, a loyal partner during struggle, and a woman who chose privacy over fame.
Her story reminds us that some of the most meaningful lives are lived quietly, with strength and grace.
Conclusion
Faye Maltese lived a life that stayed far away from fame, even while being closely connected to one of Hollywood’s greatest actors. As Gene Hackman’s first wife, she stood beside him during his early struggles and supported him long before success arrived. While Hackman became a global star, she chose privacy, family, and stability over public attention. Her role as a devoted mother and supportive partner shaped a strong foundation for her family. Even after their divorce, she never used her past connection to seek recognition or spotlight. Her quiet strength, dignity, and commitment to family define her true legacy. Today, Faye Maltese is remembered not for fame, but for the meaningful impact she had behind the scenes. Her story reminds us that some of the most important lives are lived quietly, with grace, loyalty, and lasting influence.
