This week, the world was rocked by the sudden passing of the legendary actor Gene Hackman and his wife, Betsy Arakawa, who were found dead at their Santa Fe residence.
The news of Hackman’s death has left fans and colleagues alike in shock, with tributes pouring in from all corners of the globe.
People are reflecting on his extraordinary career and his decision to step away from the public eye in his later years, though he did make occasional appearances.
One of his last public appearances occurred just a year before his death, when Hackman, at 95 years old, was seen in public for the first time in more than two decades.
His wife, Betsy Arakawa, 63, was by his side when the couple was spotted leaving Pappadeaux Seafood Kitchen in Albuquerque, New Mexico, in 2024.
Hackman, holding onto a cane in one hand, was seen leaning on his wife’s arm. Their dog, which had lived with them in their New Mexico home, also passed away on February 26, 2025, just days before their deaths.
Santa Fe County confirmed the couple’s passing on Wednesday afternoon. In an official statement, they said, “We can confirm that both Gene Hackman and his wife were found deceased at their residence on Sunset Trail.
We do not believe foul play was involved, but this remains under investigation.”
Hackman, married to Arakawa since 1991, had largely distanced himself from the spotlight in his later years, though the couple had been seen publicly on rare occasions.
