It's with heavy hearts that we report the passing of legendary actor Gene Hackman and his beloved wife, Betsy Arakawa. The couple, along with their dog, were found deceased in their Santa Fe, New Mexico home. This tragic news has sent shockwaves through the entertainment world and touched the hearts of fans across the globe.
According to the Santa Fe County Sheriff’s Office, Gene and Betsy were discovered inside their home on the afternoon of Wednesday, February 26, following a welfare check requested by a concerned neighbor. At the time of his passing, Gene was 95 years old, while Betsy was 64. The exact causes of their deaths remain under investigation, but authorities have assured the public that foul play is not suspected.
Law Enforcement Shares Details
On Thursday, February 27, the Santa Fe New Mexican reported that law enforcement officials confirmed this tragic discovery. The Sheriff's Office assured the public that, as of now, there is no indication of foul play in the case. This news has left many fans and colleagues heartbroken, reflecting on the life and legacy of one of Hollywood's most respected actors.
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A Life Well-Lived: Gene Hackman's Journey
Gene Hackman's storied career spanned decades, leaving an indelible mark on the film industry. Before his marriage to Betsy, Gene was married to Faye Maltese from 1956 until their divorce in 1986. Together, they had three children: Leslie Anne, Elizabeth Jean, and Christopher Allen. Faye passed away in 2017, leaving behind a legacy of love and family.
After his first marriage ended, Gene found love again in 1991 when he married Betsy Arakawa. The couple met at a fitness center in Los Angeles, where Betsy worked as a part-time employee. Although they didn’t have children together, their bond was evident to all who knew them. Betsy was a constant source of support and love for Gene during their years together.
A Hollywood Legend
Gene Hackman was not only a celebrated actor but also a two-time Oscar winner. He earned accolades for his unforgettable performances in the 1971 film "The French Connection" and the 1992 film "Unforgiven." His talent didn’t stop there; he was also nominated for his roles in "Bonnie and Clyde" (1967), "I Never Sang for My Father" (1970), and "Mississippi Burning" (1988). These achievements solidified his place as one of the most respected actors in Hollywood history.
Gene’s final film role was in "Welcome to Mooseport" in 2004, after which he retired to New Mexico. In a 2008 interview with Reuters, he spoke candidly about his decision to step away from acting. “I haven’t held a press conference to announce my retirement, but yes, I’m not going to act any longer,” he explained. “I miss the actual acting part of it, as it’s what I did for almost 60 years, and I really loved that. But the business for me is very stressful.”
A Quiet Retirement
In his later years, Gene and Betsy kept a low profile, enjoying a peaceful life away from the spotlight. They were rarely seen in public, making their recent outings in 2024 all the more special. In April, the couple was spotted dining at a restaurant in Santa Fe, where Gene appeared to be in good spirits despite using a cane for support. An insider shared with Closer that “He looked a little grizzled, but in good shape.”
Just two weeks later, Gene was seen visiting a local 7-Eleven, picking up coffee and pie. Interestingly, he didn’t use a cane during this outing, showing that he was still active and mobile in his later years.
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Twenty years before his passing, Gene opened up about his thoughts on mortality during a candid interview with CNN's Larry King in 2004. After revealing that he had been dealing with "heart problems," Gene shared that he had struggled with "severe angina" more than a decade prior.
“I try to take care of myself. I don’t have a lot of fears,” Gene said about his health. “I have the normal fear of passing away. You know, I guess we all think about that, especially when you get to be a certain age. I want to make sure that my wife and my family are taken care of. Other than that, I don’t have a lot of fears.”
