Gene Hackman, the legendary actor, and his wife, Betsy Arakawa, have been the subject of recent headlines following their tragic deaths on Thursday.
The couple, who had been together since their marriage in 1991, were found alongside their dog, with no signs of foul play, according to local authorities.
Sheriff Adan Mendoza of Santa Fe County confirmed that there were no immediate details about the cause of death or the exact time of their passing.
The Last Public Appearance of Gene and Betsy Hackman
The last known photos of Gene and Betsy were taken in March 2024, marking a rare public sighting of the reclusive actor.
The couple was seen dining at Pappadeaux’s Seafood Kitchen in Santa Fe, New Mexico.
Gene, who was 95 at the time, appeared frail and was seen holding onto Betsy’s arm for balance.
This outing marked the first time the couple had been seen together in public for over two decades.
The previous public appearance was at the 2003 Golden Globe Awards, where Gene received the prestigious Cecil B. deMille Award.
Gene Hackman’s Retirement from Acting
Gene Hackman, best known for his roles in Bonnie and Clyde, Superman, The French Connection, and Get Shorty, had not appeared in films for years.
His last acting role was in the 2004 film Welcome To Mooseport, where he starred alongside Ray Romano and Christine Baranski.
Afterward, Gene confirmed his retirement, explaining in a 2008 interview that he was done with acting.
“I haven’t held a press conference to announce retirement, but yes, I’m not going to act any longer,” he stated.
Hackman explained that while he didn’t dislike acting, he preferred the solitude of writing novels, a pursuit he found more private and fulfilling.
Gene Hackman’s Career and Personal Life
Hackman’s illustrious career, which spanned decades, was propelled by his role in Bonnie and Clyde in 1967, leading to a long list of iconic performances.
Despite retiring, he continued to stay somewhat connected to the industry, narrating two documentaries about the Marine Corps, The Unknown Flag Raiser of Iwo Jima (2016) and We, The Marines (2017).
Gene had previously been married to Faye Maltese for 30 years, during which they raised three children.
They divorced in 1986, and five years later, Gene married Betsy Arakawa, a retired classical pianist who was 30 years younger than him.
In an interview with Empire in 2020, Gene spoke fondly of his life with Betsy, mentioning how they enjoyed watching DVDs of simple, low-budget films and spending time together watching comedy marathons on TV, particularly the work of Eddie Izzard.
Gene Hackman’s Legacy
While Gene Hackman’s departure from the spotlight in the early 2000s marked the end of an era for many fans, his legacy continues to live on in the films that made him a household name.
His decision to step away from acting was driven by the severe stress he experienced, which was exacerbated by heart issues.
Though he retired from acting, his influence in Hollywood remains strong, and his career achievements are still remembered fondly by fans and colleagues alike.