Gene Hackman and His Wife Found Dead – A Look at Their Life and Struggles

Legendary actor Gene Hackman, 95, and his wife, 63, were found dead. A look inside the actor's love story with his wife, who he once had to physically defend, and his life before his passing.

Legendary Hollywood actor Gene Hackman and his wife were found dead at their Sunset Trail residence. During his lifetime, Hackman starred in numerous films, ranging from comedies to dramas, and became a household name due to his talent in the field.

The actor also built a beautiful, albeit relatively quiet life for himself and his family.

You may know Hackman's name from his roles in "Hoosier," "The French Connection," or "Unforgiven." He starred in many famous films and had only recently slowed down his acting career before his passing.

Hackman grew up in Illinois, born to a waitress and a pressman for the local newspaper. His father abandoned the family when he was thirteen, but one day Hackman saw his father on the street, and his father waved at him. Talking about the incident, Hackman recalled:

"I hadn't realized how much one small gesture can mean. Maybe that's why I became an actor."

He began his career after studying at the Pasadena Playhouse in California. There he met Dusty Hoffman, and the pair was voted "least likely to succeed" by their classmates. This came after Hackman entered the Marines at 16, where he lied about his age to get in.

After Hoffman and Hackman were voted "least likely to succeed," they decided to try and make it anyway. They went to New York, where they met up with a mutual friend of theirs named Robert Duvall.

The trio tried their luck at many roles, and finally, Hackman got his big break in 1967 when he starred in "Bonnie and Clyde." His career grew exponentially after he starred in the film, and he became a huge success.

Sadly, his mother passed away in 1962 before she could see her son on the big screen. She had reportedly been drinking and passed out with a lit cigarette in her hand, which resulted in a fire that killed her.

By 2004, Hackman had starred in his last movie, "Welcome to Mooseport," and said he preferred to split his time between painting and writing. He retired after that film and never looked back.

How Did Hackman Meet His Current Wife?

Hackman and his wife, Betsy Arakawa, had a 31-year age difference, yet they remained madly in love and built a wonderful life together. Arakawa, a classical pianist, was Hackman's second wife, whom he met in the 1980s.

Arakawa and Hackman met at a Los Angeles fitness center where she worked part-time. The pair had a flirtatious relationship for a while but only began officially dating in 1984.

Arakawa moved in with Hackman into his Santa Fe apartment soon after the couple began dating. Hackman's divorce from his first wife, Faye Maltese, which lasted from 1956 to 1986, had yet to be finalized, but the couple didn't care.

Hackman's first marriage produced three children, Leslie Anne, Elizabeth Jean, and Christopher Allen. Hackman and Arakawa did not share any children; however, she had a good relationship with her stepchildren.

A source close to the couple once talked about how Hackman felt about having three children from a previous marriage:

"He wishes he'd been around more for his children, but now he's close with them and their kids."

Hackman admitted that his career caused him to spend much of his time away from his children and it resulted in a break of closeness with his son at a critical time in his life.

How Did Hackman Defend His Wife?

Although Hackman was an ordinarily quiet and private actor, he had no problems defending his loved ones when the need arose. He showed a willingness to protect his wife in 2012 when he defended her against a homeless man.

Hackman and his wife were leaving a Santa Fe restaurant one day when a homeless man approached the couple. Reports said that the incident quickly escalated as the man threatened the couple.

The man, Bruce Becker, swore at Hackman's wife, and Hackman slapped him for it. Becker then reported the incident to the police, but after talking to Hackman and Arakawa, it was deemed Hackman acted in self-defense.

How Did Hackman and Arakawa Live Before His Passing?

In 2008, Hackman mentioned that he had retired from acting for good. Talking about how he retired and his feelings on retirement, he said:

"I haven't held a press conference to announce my retirement, but yes, I'm not going to act any longer. I miss the actual acting part of it, as it's what I did for almost 60 years, and I really loved that. But the business for me is very stressful."

Before his passing, he and his wife lived a much quieter life away from the hustle and bustle of Hollywood. A source close to Hackman had said that he was in good health and still enjoyed hobbies like handiwork, cycling, and gardening.

Hackman was also a writer and began releasing books after marrying his wife. He once stated that he wouldn’t have been able to write and publish his books without her and even included a dedication to her in one of them. The dedication read:

"To my wife, Betsy. Without her work and patience, this book would be but a passing thought."

Fans had often been concerned about Hackman’s well-being as he was rarely seen in public after his retirement. However, in May 2022, he eased fans' concerns when he appeared in a photo.

Seth Rudetsky took to Twitter last year to share a photo of himself, Ana Gatseyer, and Hackman. Rudetsky admitted that Hackman was his favorite and seemed excited to have seen him. In the photo, Hackman appeared healthy and happy.

Gene Hackman and Betsy Arakawa shared a deep bond that lasted decades, built on love, respect, and mutual support. Though their passing marks the end of an era, Hackman’s legendary performances and literary contributions ensure that his legacy will endure for generations. Fans and loved ones will remember not only his immense talent but also the quieter, more personal side of his life—one filled with love, passion, and dedication. May they both rest in peace.