Hollywood Mourns: Gene Hackman and Wife Betsy Arakawa Found Deceased in Their Home
The entertainment world is in mourning following the tragic passing of legendary actor Gene Hackman and his wife, Betsy Arakawa. The couple was discovered earlier this week at their residence in Santa Fe, New Mexico, leaving fans and loved ones devastated. Tributes have poured in from across the globe, honoring the life and legacy of the two-time Academy Award-winning star.
While Hackman had largely stepped away from the public eye in his later years, he remained a figure of admiration for film lovers everywhere. His rare appearances always sparked curiosity, and many are now reflecting on the last time he was seen in public.
Gene Hackman’s Final Public Appearance
Just a year before his passing, Gene Hackman made headlines when he was spotted in public for the first time in over two decades. The French Connection star, who was 95 at the time of his death, and his wife, Betsy, 63, were photographed leaving Pappadeaux Seafood Kitchen in Albuquerque, New Mexico. Holding his wife’s arm for support while gripping his cane, Hackman’s sighting was a reminder of his quiet life away from Hollywood.
According to an official statement from the Santa Fe County Sheriff’s Office, the couple, along with their beloved dog, were found deceased in their home on February 26, 2025. Authorities confirmed an ongoing investigation but stated that foul play was not suspected.
A Love That Lasted Decades
Hackman and Arakawa’s love story began in Los Angeles, where she worked part-time at a fitness center. The couple started dating in 1984 and eventually tied the knot in 1991. Their enduring relationship stood as a testament to their deep bond and companionship.
Before meeting Arakawa, Hackman was married to Faye Maltese, with whom he shared three children—Leslie Anne, Elizabeth Jean, and Christopher Allen. The couple was together for three decades before divorcing in 1986.
A Hollywood Icon’s Legacy
Spanning over four decades, Gene Hackman’s career was nothing short of extraordinary. From Mississippi Burning to Behind Enemy Lines, he delivered unforgettable performances that left a lasting impact on the industry. However, in 2004, he made the difficult decision to retire due to health concerns.
“The final straw was a stress test I took in New York,” Hackman revealed in a 2009 interview. “The doctor advised me that my heart wasn’t in the condition to handle any added stress.”
Despite stepping away from Hollywood, his contributions to cinema remained widely celebrated. Over his career, Hackman starred in 79 films and collected numerous accolades, including two Academy Awards, two BAFTAs, four Golden Globes, and a Screen Actors Guild Award.
A Tribute from a Fellow Legend
Renowned director Francis Ford Coppola, who worked with Hackman on The Conversation in 1974, paid a heartfelt tribute to the late actor.
“The loss of a great artist is always bittersweet—both a time for mourning and a moment to celebrate their legacy. Gene Hackman was a magnificent talent, inspiring in his complexity and brilliance. I deeply mourn his passing and cherish the mark he left on cinema.”
Saying Goodbye to a Legend
Last pictures of Gene Hackman, 95, and his wife Betsy Arakawa, 63, following the awful news the couple were found dead at their
Santa Fe home ..
RIP Betsy & Gene .. pic.twitter.com/fMHOHj99ai— Martha (@MGonigle) February 27, 2025
Gene Hackman’s passing marks the end of an era in Hollywood. His extraordinary career, coupled with his humble and private life in his later years, makes his loss even more profound. As fans, colleagues, and loved ones remember his impact, we extend our deepest condolences to all who are mourning him and his wife, Betsy Arakawa.
Their legacy will live on, not only through Hackman’s iconic performances but in the hearts of those who cherished them both.