Gene Hackman was a Hollywood legend. He earned two Oscars and spent over 40 years captivating audiences with his acting skills. Yet, in recent years, he chose a life of quiet solitude.
Hackman, 95, and his wife, Betsy Arakawa, 65, were found dead at their home in Santa Fe, New Mexico, last week. The news came as a surprise, especially since it seems he passed away about nine days before the discovery. Their secluded lifestyle became clear when neighbors revealed they hadn’t spotted the couple in years, except for their trash cans sitting outside on collection day.
Living in a gated community called Santa Fe Summit, the couple kept a low profile. They rarely participated in neighborhood events or meetings. Their four-bedroom home was tucked away on a quiet street, making it hard to even catch a glimpse of them.
Despite their reclusive nature, Hackman and Arakawa did have connections in Santa Fe. Hackman once invested in a restaurant, showcasing his art on its walls, while Arakawa co-founded a home goods store. However, during the COVID-19 pandemic, they further pulled back from public life, enjoying the privacy their neighborhood offered. Neighbors, mostly professionals seeking a peaceful retreat, respected their wish for seclusion.
James Everett, a neighbor for about five years, remarked, “They have a gate, and we have a gate, and we just have never even seen each other.” This captured the essence of the couple’s lifestyle—a choice for peace and privacy far removed from their former lives in the spotlight.
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Source linkHackman, Gene,Arakawa, Betsy (1959-2025),Content Type: Personal Profile,Santa Fe (NM),Santa Fe Summit (NM),Privacy
