Gene Hackman and Betsy Arakawa lived a fulfilling and private life together, surrounded by adventure and creativity. Their friends remember them fondly following their unexpected passing.
Close friends Daniel and Barbara Lenihan shared insights about the couple, who were found dead at their home in New Mexico. They had chosen a peaceful location, building their home on 12 acres in the mountains near Santa Fe.
“They valued their privacy,” Barbara noted. Betsy seldom used a cell phone, preferring to communicate via email. “They liked to keep to themselves, which was their choice.”
The Lenihans met the couple over 30 years ago when Gene and Betsy stopped by a diving shop in Santa Fe. Daniel, an underwater archaeologist, caught Hackman’s interest with a drawing he had made of the USS Arizona. Their instant connection led to many shared meals and memories.
Betsy and Barbara co-founded a decor shop called Pandora’s in Santa Fe, showcasing fabrics from around the globe and pieces by local artisans. The idea sprouted after Hackman returned from Europe with exquisite linen pillows that inspired them.
Although the couple didn’t visit Santa Fe often, Barbara recalled seeing Betsy recently at the shop. “They enjoyed their solitude quite a bit. Pictures of their home among the trees show just how isolated they were,” she said.
Betsy cared for Hackman deeply, preparing meals and ensuring he stayed healthy after his triple bypass surgery. Even in his later years, Hackman remained active, riding his bicycle and practicing yoga with Betsy’s guidance.
The couple shared a love for music, often enjoying classical pieces played by Betsy on the piano. Friends describe them as a loving pair who traveled often and engaged actively in their community.
Daniel, who collaborated with Hackman on three books, called him an “interesting and funny man.” Barbara described Betsy as clever and lively. Their bond was seemingly unbreakable, leaving friends shocked and confused by their abrupt deaths.
The couple was found under suspicious circumstances in separate rooms of their home, with scattered pills near Betsy. Authorities mentioned that Gene’s pacemaker data suggested he had died about nine days before they were discovered.
Gene Hackman, 95, is celebrated for his roles in classics such as “The French Connection” and “Unforgiven.” Betsy, a classical pianist three decades younger, supported his career wholeheartedly.
While the exact cause of their deaths remains unknown, initial exams showed no signs of foul play or external trauma. Their isolated home, located at the end of a winding driveway, was both serene and remote.
More than a decade before retiring from acting, Hackman and Betsy settled in Santa Fe, enchanted by the area’s charm. “It had a kind of magic,” he said in a past interview.
New Mexico Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham praised Hackman as a valued community member. He embraced his life in Santa Fe with warmth and friendliness, leaving a lasting impression on those around him.
According to local officials, the couple frequently dined at nearby restaurants and were regarded with much affection. Hackman was also known for his involvement in arts initiatives, often donating his paintings to community auctions.
Friends recall Gene’s genuine interest in people, often sharing artwork and laughter with those around him. He was humble, preferring to connect with others rather than focus on his celebrity status.
Hackman’s philanthropic nature extended to the Georgia O’Keeffe Museum, where he contributed significantly as a trustee and narrator for a documentary about the artist’s life.
Looking back, Hackman expressed a desire to be remembered as a decent actor who always aimed to portray life honestly. “He tried,” he reflected, summing up his life in a simple phrase that resonates with everyone who knew him.
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