The acclaimed actor Gene Hackman and his wife, Betsy Arakawa, were found deceased in their Santa Fe residence last Wednesday.
According to Fox News, This shocking discovery was made after the couple had been dead for several days, with no apparent cause of death immediately provided by local authorities.
Gene Hackman, known for his robust film career, had recently become notable for his secluded lifestyle, a shift friends attribute to his efforts at preserving his health post-COVID. Stuart Ashman, a close acquaintance, highlighted how Hackman's age, 95, catalyzed this retraction from public life. He emphasized, "Obviously, he was 95, so he was slowing down. And after COVID, he was more reclusive, protecting his immune system and everything else."
Aside from restricting his public outings, Hackman was described by friends as increasingly home-bound. Daniel and Barbara Lenihan, along with their son Aaron, depicted a scenario where the actor had minimal outside social engagements. Aaron Lenihan noted, "Betsy tried to keep him kind of active and engaged," adding that Hackman frequently participated in puzzles and remote yoga sessions to maintain some level of activity.
Betsy Arakawa, significantly protective during the pandemic, was often seen taking precautions such as wearing masks to safeguard both their health. The couple shared a close bond, partaking in several activities together at home, which kept both partners active despite external limitations.
Despite his reclusive tendencies, Hackman's presence was felt in the Santa Fe community through various supports he extended to local initiatives. He engaged in physical activities like Pilates and cycling when possible, maintaining an impressive level of fitness for his age.
His friendships within the community were fond and filled with personal anecdotes. Stuart Ashman shared a light-hearted exchange between them, "One day he brought me a painting and I said, ‘You can't give me this painting.’ He says, ‘Yeah, you've been giving me eggs for months.’ So I traded a painting for eggs, which is pretty nice. So now I have this wonderful treasure."
Hackman was not only remembered for his Hollywood fame but for the personal stories he shared with friends. A particularly striking tale involved his time filming "The French Connection," which not only affected audiences but had personal repercussions during the shoot, culminating in an inadvertent yet financially compensatory crash for one New Yorker.
Stuart Ashman recounting Hackman's story said, "He told me this story about, after years after the movie, this guy he ran into in New York said, ‘Hey, man, you don't know what you did for me. You saved my life, I owe you.’ And he said, ‘What are you talking about?’ He says, 'When you were filming "The French Connection," they closed all the streets. But I didn't know about it. And I had my car in my driveway, and when I pulled out, you slammed into me. And then a producer came and gave me $20,000. This anecdote showcased Hackman's unforeseen impact on others’ lives, even many years later.
The deaths of Gene Hackman and his wife Betsy Arakawa continue to perplex those close to them and the broader Santa Fe community, especially under such enigmatic circumstances. As investigations unfold, the couple's private and public legacies remain fondly celebrated by friends and admirers alike. Stuart Ashman encapsulated the community's sentiment, expressing, "I am puzzled by the whole thing. You know, there's a lot of different reports coming out. It's kind of a tragic mystery in a way."
