The couple was found dead alongside their pet dog, but 16 years ago, the veteran actor offered a rare glimpse into their life together.
Oscar-winning actor Gene Hackman once shared a beloved activity he and his wife of nearly 34 years, Betsy Arakawa, enjoyed before their tragic passing.
The 95-year-old and his classical pianist wife were discovered at their home in the Santa Fe Summit community, northeast of Santa Fe, New Mexico, yesterday evening (February 26). Authorities have stated that there is no indication of foul play.
Santa Fe County Sheriff Adan Mendoza confirmed the deaths of Hackman, his 63-year-old wife, and their pet dog in a statement.
“All I can say is that we’re in the middle of a preliminary death investigation, waiting on approval of a search warrant,” he said.
“I want to assure the community and neighborhood that there’s no immediate danger to anyone.”
Mendoza did not provide details on the cause of death or when the couple may have passed.
The two-time Academy Award-winning actor retired from acting in 2004 after a career spanning more than 100 roles. Following his retirement, he and Betsy left Los Angeles and settled in New Mexico.
The couple lived a quiet and private life, with Hackman rarely granting interviews—a reflection of his decision to step away from the spotlight entirely just a few years later.
At the time, he told Reuters: “I haven’t held a press conference to announce retirement, but yes, I’m not going to act any longer. I really don’t want to do it any longer.
“I’ve been told not to say that over the last few years, in case some really wonderful part comes up, but I really don’t want to do it any longer.”
In a 2009 interview with Empire, Hackman was asked how retirement was treating him and shared a heartfelt glimpse into his life with Betsy.
“We like simple stories that some of the little low-budget films manage to produce,” the Hollywood veteran said, explaining that they often watched DVDs that Betsy would rent.
The publication noted that Hackman shared how he and Betsy spent their Friday nights enjoying a Comedy Channel marathon, with the highlight often being performances by Eddie Izzard—whom he praised for her “amazing” “speed of thought.”
Hackman and Betsy began dating in the mid-1980s before marrying in 1991. However, he made it clear that he did not leave his first wife, Faye Maltese, for Betsy.
“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, marriage takes a great deal of work and love,” he once explained.