Oscar-winning actor Gene Hackman once shared a heartfelt detail about his life with his wife of nearly 34 years, Betsy Arakawa, before the couple was tragically found dead together.
The 95-year-old legendary actor and his wife, a classical pianist, were discovered at their home in the Santa Fe Summit community in New Mexico on the evening of February 26. Authorities have stated that there is no indication of foul play.
Santa Fe County Sheriff Adan Mendoza confirmed the deaths of Hackman, Arakawa, and their pet dog in a statement, noting, “We are in the middle of a preliminary death investigation, waiting on approval of a search warrant.” He assured the public that there was no immediate danger to the community but did not comment on the cause of death or when the couple might have passed.
Hackman, a two-time Academy Award winner, retired from acting in 2004 after a prolific career spanning over 100 roles. Following his retirement, he and Betsy left Los Angeles for a quieter life in New Mexico, rarely making public appearances or giving interviews.
In a 2009 interview with Empire, Hackman shared a glimpse into their private life, revealing a simple but cherished ritual he and Betsy enjoyed together. “We like simple stories that some of the little low-budget films manage to produce,” he said, explaining how they regularly watched DVDs that Betsy would rent. He also mentioned their Friday night tradition of watching Comedy Channel marathons, with Eddie Izzard being a particular favorite. Hackman admired Izzard’s “amazing speed of thought.”
Hackman and Arakawa began dating in the mid-1980s before marrying in 1991. Reflecting on his first marriage to Faye Maltese, he addressed past rumors, clarifying: “I did not leave my real-life wife for a younger woman. We just drifted apart. When you work in this business, marriage takes a great deal of work and love.”
The couple’s enduring love and quiet life together stand as a testament to their deep bond, making their passing all the more poignant.
