
Initial Introduction
Faye Maltese may not be a well-known name. But, her connection to actor Gene Hackman gives her influence in Hollywood. Maltese, once a bank secretary from New York, was Hackman’s first wife and the mother of his three children. Their love story began in 1955 at a Y.M.C.A. dance in Manhattan. It set the stage for a complex but lasting relationship. Despite their marital ups and downs, Faye Maltese was vital to Hackman’s life and career. This blog post explores Faye Maltese’s life and legacy as of 2025. It covers her lifestyle, biography, net worth, and personal history.
Faye’s journey started long before she met Hackman. She was part of a large Italian family that lived in a five-room railroad flat on the Lower East Side of New York. This close-knit family was very different from Hackman’s troubled upbringing. That drew him to her from the start. Faye’s upbringing taught her to value resilience and family. These values shaped her life with Hackman.
Who is Faye Maltese?
Faye Maltese was Gene Hackman 1st wife. She was the mother of his three children. Faye Maltese children are Christopher, Elizabeth, and Leslie. She was originally a bank secretary from New York. Faye and Gene met at a Y.M.C.A. dance in Manhattan in 1955 and quickly grew close. Faye came from a big Italian family that lived in a small apartment on the Lower East Side of New York. This close family life was very different from Gene’s, and he admired it a lot.
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When they met, Gene was having a tough time and even got locked out of his room for not paying rent. Despite these problems, Faye saw something special in him. They got married and supported each other through the ups and downs of life.
Bio/Wiki
Full Name | Faye Philippa Maltese |
Date of Birth | 18 December 1928 |
Age | 88 years old at time of her death |
Place of Birth | New York, USA |
Gender | Female |
Nationality | American |
Ethnicity | Mixed |
Occupation | Secretary at a bank |
Famous For | Being Gene Hackman wife |
Net Worth | $1 million |

Real Name and Ethnicity of Faye Maltese
Faye Maltese’s real name was Faye Philippa Maltese. She was born into a big Italian family, which means her family originally came from Italy. This Italian heritage played a big role in her life. She grew up in a very close-knit family with lots of brothers and sisters. They lived together in a small apartment on the Lower East Side of New York. She had mixed ethnicity.
Faye’s Italian roots taught her the value of family. It helped her in life and marriage. Her background was very different from Gene Hackman’s. He admired her strong family bonds. These values stayed with Faye throughout her life. They made her the strong, caring person she was.
Mother, Father and Siblings of Faye Maltese
Faye Maltese was born into a big Italian family. She had a lot of brothers and sisters, making her family very close. Faye’s mom and dad worked hard to take care of everyone. They all lived in a small apartment on the Lower East Side of New York.

This loving and busy home taught Faye the importance of family and being there for each other. Her many siblings made her childhood full of fun and strong family bonds. These early experiences shaped Faye. They made her a caring and strong person in her life and marriage.
Boyfriend/Husband of Faye Maltese
Faye Maltese married Gene Hackman after meeting him at a Y.M.C.A. dance in 1955. Gene was going through a tough time, but Faye saw the good in him. They supported each other and had three children together. Their love and dedication, despite challenges, kept them together for years.
Faye was a big part of Gene’s life, helping him through his Hollywood career. They were married for almost 30 years. They always tried to work things out. This showed the strength of their bond. Faye Maltese and Gene Hackman was happily married couple.
Age, Height, Weight, Date of birth and Figure
Faye Maltese was born on 18 December 1928. Faye Maltese age was 88 years old at time of her death in 27 April 2017. She was a warm and loving person who valued her family a lot. She had a petite figure, standing about 5 feet 4 inches tall. Faye’s weight was 3-5 lbs. But, she always stayed healthy and active. She had dark brown hair and brown eyes that showed kindness.
Height | 5 feet 4 inches |
Weight | 3-5 lbs |
Eye Color | Dark Brown |
Hair Color | Brown |
Faye’s appearance reflected her caring nature and strong character. Though less visible than her husband, Gene Hackman, Faye’s presence was felt by those who knew her. Her petite frame and gentle demeanor made her a beloved figure in her family and among friends.
popularity and its reason
Faye Maltese became well-known because she was married to Gene Hackman, a famous actor. People admired her for being a strong and caring wife and mother. Her love and support helped Gene succeed in Hollywood. Even though she wasn’t as famous as Gene, those who knew her saw her as a kind and loving person
. Many respect and love Faye. She kept her family together in tough times. Her dedication to her family and her role in Gene’s success are the main reasons for her popularity.
Career of Faye Maltese
Faye Maltese worked as a bank secretary before meeting Gene Hackman. Her job was important because it helped support her and later, her family. She was very good at her work and was known for being diligent and hardworking. Even though her career might seem simple, it showed how responsible and dedicated she was.
Faye’s job also gave her skills that helped her manage her household and support Gene in his career. Her work as a bank secretary may not have been glamorous, but it was a key part of her life and character.

Net Worth of Faye Maltese
As of 2025, Faye Maltese’s net worth is estimated to be around $1 million. Her personal earnings aren’t widely known. But, her support and influence on Hackman’s career helped them succeed financially. Their shared investments and assets have made them wealthy.
They are financially stable. Faye worked behind the scenes, but her role was crucial. It helped Gene navigate his Hollywood career. This partnership allowed them to build a secure and comfortable life together.
Nationality and Religion
Faye Maltese was American. She grew up in New York with her big family. Her family was originally from Italy, which made her Italian-American. This mix of cultures was a big part of her life. Faye and her family were Catholic, as many Italians are.
Her faith and traditions from America and Italy shaped her values and how she cared for her family. This blend of cultures and beliefs made her a unique and strong person.
Next Steps and Goals
Faye Maltese had many goals and dreams throughout her life. She wanted to always be there for her family, supporting them in any way she could. Faye also wished to stay close to her roots, keeping her family’s traditions alive. In the future, she hoped to be a loving mother and grandmother. She wanted to spend quality time with her children and grandchildren.
Faye’s next steps were to enjoy a peaceful life. It would be filled with family gatherings and happy moments. Her main goal was to see her family happy and thriving, making sure they always felt loved and supported.
Hobbies
- Faye Maltese loved spending time with her family.
- She enjoyed cooking Italian dishes, a skill she learned from her mother.
- Faye liked reading books and often shared stories with her children.
- Gardening was another of her favorite activities; she found peace in tending to her plants.
- She also enjoyed going for walks in the park and taking in nature.
- Faye liked watching movies, especially ones that starred her husband, Gene Hackman.
- She often participated in community events and enjoyed helping others.
- Crafting and making handmade gifts for her loved ones was a hobby she cherished.
Interesting Facts About
- Faye Maltese met Gene Hackman at a dance in 1955.
- She grew up in a big Italian family with 10 siblings.
- Faye’s family lived in a small apartment in New York City.
- She was a bank secretary before marrying Gene.
- Faye loved cooking Italian food for her family.
- She enjoyed gardening and taking care of her plants.
- Faye was a big fan of movies, especially ones with Gene.
- She liked making crafts and giving handmade gifts.
- Faye always helped out in her community and enjoyed spending time with others.
FAQs
Who is Faye Maltese?
She is Gene Hackman’s first wife and the mother of their three children.
How did Faye meet Gene Hackman?
They met at a Y.M.C.A. dance in Manhattan in 1955.
What was Faye’s job before marriage?
She was a bank secretary.
How many children did Faye and Gene have?
They had three children: Christopher Allen, Elizabeth Jean, and Leslie Anne.
What is Faye’s background?
She came from a big Italian family living on the Lower East Side of New York.
Conclusion
Faye Maltese’s life was full of love and care. She helped her husband, Gene Hackman, become a famous actor. Faye came from a big family and knew the importance of sticking together. She worked hard as a bank secretary and was a wonderful mom to her three kids.
Even though her life had ups and downs, Faye always showed strength and kindness. Her story reminds us that family and love are the most important things in life. Faye’s caring nature and devotion to her family made her special.