Hollywood is mourning the loss of legendary actor Gene Hackman and his wife, Betsy Arakawa, who were found dead alongside their pet dog at their Santa Fe, New Mexico, home on February 26, 2025.
Now it has emerged that Hackman shared a very touching detail about his marriage before their tragic deaths.
Hackman was 95, and Arakawa was 63. Santa Fe County Sheriff Adan Mendoza confirmed the deaths, stating, “All I can say is that we’re in the middle of a preliminary death investigation, waiting on approval of a search warrant.” Authorities have indicated there is no suspicion of foul play.
Gene Hackman’s illustrious career spanned over four decades, during which he delivered memorable performances in films such as The French Connection, Unforgiven, Bonnie and Clyde, and The Royal Tenenbaums.
He earned two Academy Awards and four Golden Globe Awards, solidifying his status as one of Hollywood’s most respected actors.
In 2004, Hackman announced his retirement from acting, expressing to Reuters, “I haven’t held a press conference to announce retirement, but yes, I’m not going to act any longer. I really don’t want to do it any longer.”
Following his retirement, he and Arakawa relocated from Los Angeles to a serene life in Santa Fe.
Betsy Arakawa, a classical pianist born in 1961, met Hackman in the mid-1980s. The couple married in 1991 and maintained a private life away from the Hollywood spotlight.
In a 2009 interview with Empire, Hackman shared insights into their life together.
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“We like simple stories that some of the little low-budget films manage to produce,” he said.
He also noted their Friday night tradition of watching Comedy Channel marathons, highlighting performances by Eddie Izzard, whom he praised for her “amazing” speed of thought.
Reflecting on his first marriage to Faye Maltese, with whom he had three children, Hackman clarified, “By the way, I did not leave my real-life wife for a younger woman. We just drifted apart. We lost sight of each other. When you work in this business, marriage takes a great deal of work and love.”
The couple’s passing marks the end of an era in Hollywood. Fans and colleagues worldwide are paying tribute to Hackman’s remarkable contributions to cinema and the couple’s enduring partnership.
As the investigation continues, the community remembers them for their talents, love, and the quiet life they cherished together in New Mexico.
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