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Gene Hackman and his wife, Betsy Arakawa, were found dead, alongside their dog, on Wednesday, February 26, 2025. Per Santa Fe New Mexican, the local police authorities found their bodies in the afternoon at their home in Santa Fe.
Betsy Arakawa and Gene Hackman were married for almost 24 years. Arakawa, a 63-year-old pianist, was 32 years younger than Hackman, who died at 95. The trained classical musician was the second wife of The French Connection actor. Per The New York Times, the couple first met at a gym, where Arakawa worked part-time.
The Superman star, who was married to his first wife, Faye Maltese, for three decades, legally parted ways with her in 1986. Gene Hackman and Betsy Arakawa reportedly started dating during the mid-1980s, and their relationship seemingly overlapped with the former’s first marriage. Hackman addressed his relationship in a 1985 interview with the South Florida Sun-Sentinel.
Gene Hackman proclaimed that he did not leave his first wife for Arakawa. In the interview, the actor touched upon his similarities with his character Harry Mackenzie from Twice in a Lifetime. Referring to his first marriage and relationship with Betsy Arakawa, Hackman told the newspaper,
“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 [showbiz], marriage takes a great deal of work and love.”
Gene and Betsy married in 1991, and the couple spent their lives in Santa Fe, New Mexico.
Police don’t suspect foul play in the deaths of Gene Hackman and Betsy Arakawa
The discovery of Hackman and Arakawa’s bodies at their home in Santa Fe’s Old Sunset Trail community prompted an investigation. The local authorities do not suspect any foul play, as stated by Santa Fe County Sheriff Adan Mendoza. He was further quoted saying,
“All I can say is that we’re in the middle of a preliminary death investigation, waiting on approval of a search warrant.”
Sheriff Mendoza reassured the other residents of Old Sunset Trail community,
“I want to assure the community and neighbourhood that there’s no immediate danger to anyone.”
The authorities did not reveal any cause of death, which might be announced after subsequent investigations.
Fans pay tribute after the news of Gene Hackman’s death broke out
After the news of the two-time Academy Award winner’s death broke out, internet users and fans started pouring in tributes.
“Rest IN POWER, Gene. One of the greatest !,” a user wrote.
“This guy carried films on his back - Hoosiers, Superman, you name it,” another one added.
“The og Lex Luthor, rest in peace legend 🕊️,” someone posted.
“From The French Connection to Unforgiven, Gene Hackman delivered nothing but excellence. Rest easy, legend!,” another one lauded Hackman’s acting prowess.
A user said,
“Watching “Enemy of the State” today in his honor. R.I.P. you absolute legend.”
Another user penned down,
“An absolute King. He owned every scene he ever appeared in. And had so much range. All the while being so clearly *Gene Hackman*.”
The veteran actor earned numerous accolades during his career, including two Oscars, two BAFTAs, and four Golden Globes. The French Connection, Hoosiers, Superman, The Conversation, Unforgiven, and Mississippi Burning featured some of Gene's best roles.
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