Gene Hackman‘s Personal Collection, Including Golden Globes, Heads to Auction
NEW YORK – More than 400 items from the estate of Academy Award-winning actor Gene Hackman will be auctioned by Bonhams next month, offering a rare glimpse into the life and career of the celebrated performer. The sale includes three of Hackman’s Golden globes, along with artwork, scripts, and personal effects.
Hackman, who died February 26th at the age of 95, retired from acting two decades ago to pursue painting and writing. The auction reflects both sides of his life, featuring paintings by masters like Wassily Kandinsky and Henri Matisse alongside works created by Hackman himself during his retirement. A bronze sculpture of his wife, Betsy Arakawa, who died February 26th from hantavirus, is also among the items offered. Hackman’s death was later attributed to heart failure aggravated by Alzheimer’s.
Beyond fine art, the auction will feature items offering a more intimate look at the actor’s life, including a Seiko diving watch valued at approximately $600 and a dartboard starting at a $10 bid. Each Golden Globe is estimated to fetch between $3,000 and $5,000.
Hackman earned two Oscars for his roles in The French connection (1971) and Unforgiven (1992), and starred in iconic films such as bonnie and Clyde, The Conversation, and Superman.
According to Bonhams, the auction aims “to honor the life and work of one of the great names of 20th century cinema, through the objects that marked his artistic and personal career.” The auction will be held in three phases next month and is expected to draw both art collectors and fans of the actor.