Fans of the late Gene Hackman will soon have the chance to own a piece of Hollywood history.
The actor’s prized possessions, including his Golden Globe awards and an impressive collection of modernist artwork, are set to go under the hammer in a series of auctions beginning this November.
The sales arrive eight months after Hackman’s passing, offering both a celebration of his life and a sobering reminder of his final days.
A Tragic End for the Legendary Actor
Hackman, who passed away at the age of 95, was found at his home on February 26, nearly a week after his death.
His wife, Betsy Arakawa, had died days earlier, leaving Hackman alone in the house as he battled Alzheimer’s disease.
The auctioned items are said to include some of the belongings from that very home, giving collectors a glimpse into his private world.
Hackman’s three children, who were excluded from his will, reportedly buried him in an unmarked grave in a secret ceremony alongside his wife.
The court of public opinion continues to reflect on the bittersweet circumstances surrounding his final days.
What’s Going on the Auction Block
The Bonhams auction will take place across three separate sales, one live event and two online.
Among the highlights are three of Hackman’s four Golden Globe awards: his Best Supporting Actor win for Clint Eastwood’s Unforgiven, Best Actor for Wes Anderson’s The Royal Tenenbaums, and the honorary Cecil B. DeMille Award for lifetime achievement.
The first Golden Globe he won for The French Connection is notably absent.
Although Hackman won Oscars for both Unforgiven and The French Connection, those trophies are not part of the sale.
Collectors will also have the opportunity to bid on personal items such as two Seiko wristwatches he favored in his later years, including one spotted on a rare outing to Wendy’s in Santa Fe when he was 93.
An Impressive Art Collection
Hackman’s passion for art shines through in the 13 works heading to auction.
The collection features pieces by Milton Avery, Auguste Rodin, and Richard Diebenkorn, reflecting his lifelong appreciation for both modernist and American art.
After retiring from acting following Welcome to Mooseport in 2004, Hackman immersed himself in collecting, creating, and studying art.
According to Andrew Huber, Bonhams’ Head of 20th & 21st Century Art in the U.S.,
“Hackman was not only a collector but an artist himself, and his approach to collecting mirrors the care, aesthetic sensibility, and discipline evident in his own artistic practice.”
Among the most anticipated works is Avery’s Figure on the Jetty, depicting a solitary figure gazing at the sea, with an estimated sale of $500,000–$700,000.
Diebenkorn’s etchings, including Green (1986) and High Green, Version II (1992), could fetch between $70,000 and $500,000.
Additional highlights include Rodin bronze sculptures and pieces by Wassily Kandinsky, Robert Motherwell, and Ida Rittenberg Kohlmeyer.
Even a dartboard from Hackman’s game room is expected to attract bids.
Estate Challenges Behind the Scenes
The decision to auction Hackman’s possessions comes amid reports that his estate carried significant credit card debt.
The family’s secret funeral arrangements in May shocked some cemetery workers, highlighting the private nature of the actor’s final days.
Hackman’s death was attributed to heart disease, complicated by kidney disease and Alzheimer’s, while his wife Arakawa had succumbed to hantavirus-related respiratory symptoms.
Despite the sadness surrounding the couple’s deaths, the upcoming auctions offer a chance to celebrate Hackman’s remarkable career, his artistic eye, and his enduring legacy in both Hollywood and the art world.