In February, the world learned of the passing of Gene Hackman and his wife, Betsy Arakawa, at their home in Santa Fe, New Mexico. Initially shrouded in mystery, it was later confirmed that they died of natural causes. Gene, renowned for his remarkable career in acting, and Betsy, a talented pianist, were together for over three decades, and their deaths have left their family and fans mourning.
Their daughters, Elizabeth and Leslie, along with granddaughter Annie, spoke publicly about the profound sadness they felt, sharing their grief with People Magazine. The family expressed their deep loss, stating, “It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of our father, Gene Hackman, and his beloved wife, Betsy. Known worldwide for his acting prowess, to us, he was simply Dad and Grandpa. Our hearts are heavy with sorrow.”
A Startling Discovery and Investigation
The situation surrounding their deaths took a turn when a 911 call was made by someone who identified themselves as their caretaker. When authorities arrived, they found the couple unresponsive. The discovery came just before 2 pm, when maintenance workers noticed the couple’s still figures inside the home. A carbon monoxide test and toxicology investigation were promptly conducted, though foul play was ruled out by Sheriff Adan Mendoza.
The couple’s health had raised concerns earlier on, and despite the lack of obvious signs of struggle, the authorities had to ensure that there were no suspicious circumstances surrounding their deaths. Leslie, their daughter, confirmed that there had been no indication of any serious health problems with her father. She described him as being physically fit for his age, engaging in Pilates and yoga to maintain his well-being. This information was important in helping to address any initial speculations.
The Final Health Struggles
Dr. Heather Jarrell provided further insight into the circumstances surrounding Gene’s passing. According to her statement, Gene Hackman passed away from natural causes shortly after Betsy’s death, which was due to a rare respiratory illness called hantavirus pulmonary syndrome (HPS). It was also revealed that Gene had been suffering from coronary artery disease, a condition that had significantly weakened his heart. His advanced Alzheimer’s disease may have contributed to his not realizing that Betsy had passed away before him.
While Gene’s age and health issues made him vulnerable, Leslie explained that there had been no prior signs of imminent danger. Betsy’s death, which was confirmed to have occurred a week before Gene’s, seemed to come swiftly after the onset of HPS symptoms. Dr. Jarrell confirmed that Betsy’s condition had deteriorated rapidly, making her death especially tragic.
Gene Hackman’s Path to Stardom
Born on January 30, 1930, in San Bernardino, California, Gene Hackman’s journey to stardom was anything but conventional. Raised in various towns, he eventually settled in Danville, Illinois. Hackman’s early life included a brief stint in the Marines, which was cut short after a motorbike accident. This turn of events led him to explore broadcasting, and with the encouragement of his first wife, Faye Maltese, he pursued acting.
Gene’s decision to move to the West Coast and study at the Pasadena Playhouse College of Theatre Arts marked the beginning of his successful career. It was here that he formed a close friendship with fellow actor Dustin Hoffman, and the two shared their early struggles as budding actors. Together, they navigated the tough, competitive industry, and their bond would last throughout their careers.
A Legendary Career and Quiet Retirement
Gene Hackman’s career reached its peak in 1972 when he won an Academy Award for his performance in The French Connection. His illustrious career continued with films like Hoosiers and The Royal Tenenbaums, securing him another Oscar for his role in Unforgiven alongside Clint Eastwood. Hackman’s final film appearance came in 2004 with Welcome to Mooseport, after which he chose to retire from acting.
In his personal life, Gene had three children from his first marriage to Faye Maltese. After their divorce in 1986, Gene found a new partner in Betsy Arakawa in 1991. Their marriage was described as “wonderful” by their daughter, Leslie. After retiring, Gene led a quieter life in Santa Fe, staying active with golf and yoga despite the challenges of aging. Friends like Stuart Ashman reflected on Gene’s efforts to maintain his health in the face of advancing age and its inevitable struggles.
Gene’s final years were marked by a growing reluctance to appear in the public eye. He often spoke candidly about his aversion to being recognized as an “old” actor, as his health declined and public appearances became less frequent. However, his love for golf remained steadfast, and he continued to play, even as his body began to show signs of wear.
Gene Hackman and Betsy Arakawa will be remembered not only for their incredible contributions to the arts but also for the love they shared throughout their lives. Despite the sorrow surrounding their passing, their legacy remains firmly etched in the hearts of those who knew them.
