Legendary Hollywood actor Gene Hackman and his wife, Betsy Arakawa, were found dead in their Santa Fe, New Mexico, home this week, along with their dog. Police confirmed that no foul play is suspected, but the cause of death has not yet been revealed, and an investigation is ongoing.
Hackman, a two-time Oscar winner, was 95 years old. In the years before his passing, his wife, Betsy, 63, made sure he followed a strict diet to help him stay healthy. According to his close friend and former business partner, Doug Lanham, she carefully monitored what he ate. She often encouraged him to choose healthy meals like halibut or rice-paper salmon when they dined out. However, Lanham revealed that Hackman sometimes tried to sneak in a “cheat meal” when they spent time together.
Hackman and Lanham had a long friendship and even co-owned a popular restaurant in Santa Fe called Jinja Bar & Bistro. They sold their stakes in 2018, but Hackman continued to visit the restaurant regularly. Lanham fondly remembered how Hackman often picked up the bill for other diners as a kind gesture.
Despite his age, Hackman was said to be in good physical condition in the months leading up to his death. His youngest daughter, Leslie Anne Hackman, 58, shared that he had been doing well recently, making the news of his passing even more shocking to those who knew him.
Hackman had an incredible career spanning four decades in Hollywood. He starred in many classic films, including Hoosiers, The Poseidon Adventure, The Royal Tenenbaums, The Birdcage, and Superman, where he famously played the villain Lex Luthor. He won two Academy Awards—Best Actor in 1972 for The French Connection and Best Supporting Actor in 1993 for Unforgiven.
After a successful acting career, Hackman retired from Hollywood in 2004 and lived a quiet life with Betsy. The couple had been married since 1991 and shared a deep bond.
Hackman is survived by his three children, Leslie, Christopher, and Elizabeth Jean, from his previous marriage to Faye Maltese, who passed away in 2017. His death marks the end of an era in Hollywood, leaving fans and loved ones mourning the loss of a legendary actor and a devoted family man.
