Oscar-winning actor Gene Hackman once shared a touching insight into his life with his wife of nearly 34 years, Betsy Arakawa, before the couple was tragically found dead together.
The legendary 95-year-old 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 confirmed there is no indication of foul play.
Santa Fe County Sheriff Adan Mendoza issued a statement confirming the deaths of Hackman, Arakawa, and their pet dog. “We are in the early stages of a preliminary death investigation, awaiting approval for a search warrant,” he stated, assuring the public that there was no immediate threat to the community while refraining from commenting on the cause or timing of their passing.
Hackman, a two-time Academy Award winner, retired from acting in 2004 after a remarkable career spanning over 100 roles. Following his retirement, he and Arakawa moved away from Los Angeles, embracing a quiet life in New Mexico and largely staying out of the public eye.
In a 2009 interview with Empire, Hackman offered a rare glimpse into their private world, sharing a cherished ritual he and Betsy enjoyed. “We like simple stories that some of the little low-budget films manage to produce,” he said, recalling how Betsy would rent DVDs for them to watch together. He also spoke fondly of their Friday night tradition of watching Comedy Channel marathons, particularly enjoying Eddie Izzard’s rapid-fire wit, which he admired for its “amazing speed of thought.”
Hackman and Arakawa’s love story began in the mid-1980s, leading to their marriage in 1991. Reflecting on his first marriage to Faye Maltese, he addressed lingering 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.”
Their enduring bond and quiet devotion to one another made their journey together truly special, rendering their passing all the more heartbreaking.