The Bio Profile – Faye Maltese Net Worth, Bio, Career, Siblings & More. When discussing the golden era of Hollywood, the name Gene Hackman often takes center stage. However, behind every great man is often a woman who supported him through the lean years. Faye Maltese was that woman for Hackman. While she preferred to stay out of the limelight, her influence on the legendary actor’s life and career was profound. In this article, we dive deep into the biography, career, and net worth of Faye Maltese.
Who Was Faye Maltese?

Faye Maltese was best known as the first wife of Academy Award-winning actor Gene Hackman. Born in 1929 in New York City, USA, she was of American nationality and Caucasian ethnicity. Unlike many Hollywood spouses who seek the spotlight, Faye was known for her grace, privacy, and unwavering support for her family during Hackman’s rise from a struggling student to a global superstar.
Quick Bio and Profile Summary
- Full Name: Faye Maltese
- Date of Birth: 1929
- Place of Birth: New York City, USA
- Date of Death: April 26, 2017
- Nationality: American
- Famous As: Former wife of Gene Hackman
- Marital Status: Divorced
- Children: 3 (Christopher Allen, Elizabeth Jean, Leslie Anne)
The Marriage to Gene Hackman
The love story of Faye Maltese and Gene Hackman began in 1955. They met at a dance at a YMCA in New York City. At the time, Hackman was a young man with big dreams but very little money. After a year of dating, the couple tied the knot in 1956.
The Early Years of Struggle
During the first decade of their marriage, the couple faced significant financial hardships. While Gene was chasing his acting dreams and being told he wouldn’t make it, Faye was the primary breadwinner. She worked diligently to ensure the family stayed afloat while Gene honed his craft at the Pasadena Playhouse.
The Divorce
After 30 years of marriage, the couple decided to part ways. They officially divorced in 1986. While the reasons for the split remained private, they continued to co-parent their three children successfully. Following the divorce, Faye opted for a quiet life away from the media circus of Hollywood.
Career and Professional Life
Before and during the early years of her marriage, Faye Maltese worked as a secretary for a bank located at Rockefeller Center in New York. Her steady income was crucial during the period when Hackman was labeled “least likely to succeed” by his classmates. Her career was defined by her work ethic and her role as a supportive partner rather than a pursuit of fame.
Faye Maltese Children and Siblings
Faye and Gene were blessed with three children who have mostly stayed out of the public eye to lead private lives:
- Christopher Allen Hackman: Their eldest son.
- Elizabeth Jean Hackman: Their first daughter.
- Leslie Anne Hackman: Their youngest daughter.
Information regarding Faye Maltese’s siblings remains scarce, as she kept her extended family life very private. It is known that she grew up in a traditional New York household which instilled in her the values of loyalty and hard work.
Faye Maltese Net Worth
Estimating the exact Faye Maltese net worth is challenging because she led a private life. However, at the time of her divorce in 1986, Gene Hackman was already a major star with a significant fortune. It is widely believed that Faye received a substantial settlement that allowed her to live comfortably for the rest of her life.
While some sources estimate her individual net worth was around $1 million to $5 million at the time of her passing, her true wealth was found in her legacy and her children.
Her Death and Final Years
Faye Maltese passed away on April 26, 2017. She lived a long life of 88 years. Her passing was kept quiet, in line with how she lived—with dignity and away from the cameras. Her children and grandchildren remember her as a pillar of strength and the heart of their family.
Conclusion
Though she wasn’t a movie star herself, Faye Maltese played an essential role in Hollywood history by supporting one of its greatest actors during his most difficult years. Her story is one of loyalty, resilience, and the quiet strength of a woman who chose family over fame. Today, she is remembered fondly by those who knew her as a devoted mother and a woman of great character.
No Comment! Be the first one.