On Wednesday, tragedy struck as Hollywood legend Gene Hackman and his wife, Betsy Arakawa, were discovered dead at their home in Santa Fe.
The couple had been together for over three decades, marrying in 1991 after relocating to New Mexico the year prior.
A Long-Lasting Relationship Amidst the Spotlight
Hackman, who turned 95 recently, was 32 years older than his wife, Arakawa, who was 63 at the time of their passing.
The couple’s love story began in the mid-1980s after meeting at a California gym, where Arakawa was working while pursuing her dream of becoming a classical pianist.
The two married after Hackman’s divorce from his first wife, Faye Maltese, with whom he shared three children.
Despite Hackman’s success in Hollywood, he often spoke of the challenges of maintaining relationships in the demanding entertainment industry.
His divorce from Maltese was a result of growing apart, and Hackman was open about how marriage requires effort and love, especially for people in his line of work.
Life After Hollywood: A Quiet Retirement
Hackman, who left a mark on Hollywood with roles in iconic films like Bonnie and Clyde (1967), Superman, and The French Connection, had retired from acting in 2004.
After years of battling stress and health issues, including heart problems, Hackman moved to the quieter surroundings of New Mexico.
He had previously stated that the stress of acting had become too overwhelming, and he wanted to step away from the public eye.
His decision to retire from acting was not influenced by his marriage but rather due to his health concerns.
The Couple’s Life Together in New Mexico
In New Mexico, Hackman and Arakawa embraced a peaceful life, spending their time together away from the Hollywood spotlight.
The couple was known for their love of German Shepherds, having adopted several over the years.
Tragically, their beloved dog was also found dead alongside them.
Despite Hackman’s reclusive nature, he was still involved in the creative world.
Though he had retired from acting, he remained active in the industry through narrating two documentaries about the U.S. Marine Corps.
He shared his passion for writing novels and described the solitary process as a welcome change from the compromises he encountered in acting.
A Final Public Appearance
In a rare public outing, Hackman and Arakawa were seen together in 2024, their first public appearance in over two decades. They were spotted enjoying a meal together at a restaurant in Santa Fe, marking the first time the couple had been seen together since the 2003 Golden Globe Awards, where Hackman was honored with the Cecil B. deMille Award.
A Life of Service and Acting
Born in California in 1930, Hackman’s journey to Hollywood began after serving in the military, where he enlisted at just 16.
Following his service, Hackman moved back to California and eventually pursued acting, finding success that would span decades.
Hackman’s legacy in Hollywood is cemented, but his final years were marked by a quiet and fulfilled life in New Mexico with his wife, Betsy.
The deaths of Hackman and Arakawa have left many mourning the loss of one of Hollywood’s greatest actors and a beloved couple.
Authorities in Santa Fe have reported that no foul play is suspected in their deaths, but the cause remains under investigation.