Gene Hackman and his wife, Betsy Arakawa, left us in February, found in their home in Santa Fe, New Mexico. Initially shrouded in mystery, it has been clarified that they passed due to natural causes.
Gene lived a remarkable life, cherishing a marriage with Betsy that spanned over three decades. In the twilight of his years, a close friend disclosed that aging was a challenge for Gene, impacting him deeply.
This saga began with a call to 911 from someone who identified as their caretaker. When law enforcement arrived, it was just before 2 pm. The couple’s daughters, Elizabeth and Leslie, along with granddaughter Annie, expressed their profound grief in People Magazine.
“It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of our father, Gene Hackman, and his beloved wife, Betsy. Known worldwide for his acting prowess, to us, he was simply Dad and Grandpa. Our hearts are heavy with sorrow,” the family conveyed.
Given the circumstances, the authorities deemed carbon monoxide and toxicology tests necessary for Gene and Betsy. Fortunately, foul play was not suspected, as confirmed by Sheriff Adan Mendoza.
Unveiling Gene Hackman’s Final Chapter at 95
According to Mendoza, there were no signs of a struggle or theft. It was evident that Gene and Betsy had been unconscious for an extended period.
CNN shed light on the emotional 911 call made after maintenance workers discovered the unresponsive couple. The dispatcher was informed that access to the home was barred, but they could see two motionless figures
The details surrounding their deaths initially perplexed many. Rumors flew, but Leslie assured that there had been no prior indication of any health issues concerning her father.
“Despite his senior years, he maintained commendable physical fitness,” Leslie asserted, explaining that Gene stayed engaged with Pilates and yoga. No major surgeries stood between him and good health.
Even though his age implied potential fragility, Leslie and her family were not completely blindsided. Despite living in California and being a few months out of touch, their bond was unyielding and steeped in mutual understanding.
Revelations About Gene’s Health
March 8 brought clarity with Dr. Heather Jarrell’s statement: Gene Hackman succumbed to natural causes shortly after Betsy’s passing due to a rare virus. Gene was afflicted with coronary artery disease, and officials speculated his advanced Alzheimer’s might have kept him oblivious to Betsy’s earlier demise.
Betsy Arakawa, a renowned pianist, passed from hantavirus pulmonary syndrome (HPS), a rare respiratory complication. Authorities confirmed February 18 as Gene’s passing after probing his pacemaker data.
Dr. Jarrell disclosed, “He was frail health-wise, especially with significant heart issues.” Reports suggested Betsy probably died on February 11, a week ahead of Gene, with hantavirus symptoms deteriorating quickly without intervention.
“Gene’s advanced Alzheimer’s presented the possibility that he remained unaware of Betsy’s death,” shared Dr. Jarrell.
Tracing Gene Hackman’s Journey into Acting
Gene Hackman was born on January 30, 1930, in San Bernardino, California. Life took his family through various towns, ultimately anchoring in Danville, Illinois. By 16, Gene’s thirst for life led him to enlist in the Marines under a fib about his age.
A motorbike crash turned him away from the forces, but broadcasting experience had planted a seed. With his wife, Faye Maltese’s encouragement, he ventured into acting.
Migrating to the West Coast, Gene immersed himself at the Pasadena Playhouse College of Theatre Arts, uncovering his talent. Among younger peers like Dustin Hoffman, him and Dustin formed an enduring friendship, despite early skepticism of their future.
A Legendary Life
In 1972, Gene secured an Oscar for Best Actor in The French Connection. Decades on, he accumulated more accolades and admiration, securing another Academy Award with Clint Eastwood’s Unforgiven.
Through memorable performances in films like Hoosiers and The Royal Tenenbaums, Gene carved a niche in cinema history, concluding his career with the 2004 film Welcome to Mooseport.
Married to Faye Maltese initially, they had three children: Christopher, Elizabeth, and Leslie. Post-divorce in 1986, he found lasting companionship in Betsy Arakawa from 1991 onward. Leslie described their union as “wonderful.”
A quiet life ensued post-retirement, according to Stuart Ashman, Gene’s friend, who revealed to Fox about Gene’s conscious effort to maintain health amidst concerns surrounding aging. An ex-Marine, Gene stayed vital with golf and yoga.
Reflections on Age
Stephen Marshall, an ex-FBI agent who knew the couple, shared Gene’s candid thoughts on growing older: film replays soured with time. Health impeded their attendance at the premiere of Night Moves. Gene’s aversion to public recognition became evident, wanting peace from eyes that perceived him as “old.”
Public appearances dwindled under this shadow of self-consciousness, recounted Stuart Ashman. Yet, Gene’s passion for golf persisted, tackling its challenges despite expectations. His instructor, Mike Putnam, spoke of the balancing act in Gene’s game, with Betsy catching on more swiftly.
In summation, Gene and Betsy will be fondly remembered, celebrated for their endearing personalities.
Rest peacefully, Gene Hackman and Betsy Arakawa. Share this reflection to honor their memory.