'Superman' Actor Gene Hackman, 94, ‘Looks Nothing’ Like Himself in Public Appearance with Rarely-Seen Wife

Gene Hackman was spotted out and about with his rarely-seen wife. Fans couldn't help but notice his frail appearance, sparking several comments about him being unrecognizable.

Gene Hackman, 94, recently made a rare appearance with his wife, Betsy Arakawa, decades after retiring. Dressed comfortably in a plaid button-down shirt layered beneath a gray vest, Hackman completed his outfit with green-gray cargo pants. He accessorized his look with a cap and shades.

Although still mobile, Hackman used a cane for support in one hand, and his wife assisting him in the other. The couple's outing marked a significant moment, being their first public appearance together in over two decades.

Hackman's sighting set the internet abuzz with comments about his visibly frail appearance, prompting different reactions. Some comments included observations such as, "Sad in a way to see him aged."

Others agreed, "That doesn't look like him one bit," "That looks nothing like #genehackman," and "I love him… never would've recognized him though," highlighting the shock of his aging. A particular comment noted, "It looks like the wind could take him away," pointing to his frailty.

Conversely, some view Hackman's public outing positively, emphasizing resilience and life's victories. Comments like "He's walking, he's being supported by his wife, he's shopping, he's 94 and still around. That's a win," and "Didn't even recognise him, I suppose he's doing good for his 90s," showcased admiration for his longevity.

Fans also expressed gratitude with sentiments like, "Wow, haven't seen him in a long time but thank goodness he's still living," and "Hope I'm as mobile as him if I get to that age," reflecting appreciation for his mobility and spirit. "Bless his heart at 94 years old," summed up the positive outlook.

After a remarkable 40 years in the entertainment industry, Hackman retired in his late 70s, marking the end of an era for one of Hollywood's most respected actors. His departure was as understated as his career was illustrious.

There was no fanfare, no press release, and no public announcement heralding his exit from acting. Instead, the "Superman" star opted for a quiet withdrawal into private life alongside his wife, embodying the grace and dignity that had characterized his entire career.

His decision to retire wasn't precipitated by the usual industry shenanigans or a dwindling passion for the craft. In fact, he was still getting great offers. "I was getting great offers, but the roles were mostly doddering great-grandfathers," he said.

Rather, it was a matter of health and personal well-being. Reflecting on the turning point, Hackman shared a poignant moment that led to his retirement decision.

"The straw that broke the camel’s back was actually a stress test that I took in New York," Hackman revealed. "The doctor advised me that my heart wasn’t in the kind of shape that I should be putting it under any stress." This revelation prompted him to leave the limelight, leaving behind a legacy of unforgettable roles and performances he had.

In the tranquil expanse outside Santa Fe, N.M., nestled in a two-bedroom adobe house on a wide brown plain, Hackman has found his sanctuary with Betsy Arkawa. Since the late '90s, he has lived quietly with Arakawa, a classical pianist 28 years his junior whom he met while she worked part-time at a California fitness center.

Their life together, away from the Hollywood spotlight, revolves around simple pleasures and creative endeavors. Hackman, an avid painter and sketcher, enjoys the solitude these hobbies offer, often spending time in one of his two pickup trucks.

Although his three children, now adults with their own careers, are a source of pride, Hackman, like any parent, wishes for more moments shared with them.

Interestingly, retirement for Hackman didn't signal the end of his creative journey; rather, it offered a new avenue for expression. Teaming up with his neighbor and friend, Daniel Lenihan, Hackman embarked on a second career as an author, co-writing a series of historical adventure novels.

This venture into writing wasn't a sudden shift but a return to a lifelong affinity for storytelling, influenced by his family's background in journalism and printing. Despite an illustrious film career that never officially credited him as a writer, Hackman had always been weaving stories, crafting monologues and short pieces for actors.

The transition to writing novels was both a natural progression and a therapeutic endeavor for Hackman. "It’s very relaxing for me," Hackman admitted, discussing the process behind their novel, "Escape From Andersonville: A Novel Of The Civil War."

He elaborated on the distinctive stress of writing, which, unlike of film acting, offered a manageable stress, saying, "It’s a different kind of stress. It’s one you can kind of manage, because you’re sitting there by yourself, as opposed to having ninety people sitting around waiting for you to entertain them!"

Hackman highlighted his retirement in a 2011 interview and revealed that he still channeled his creativity into writing and painting. When probed about the possibility of returning to acting, his response was tentative, hinting at a desire for simplicity: "I don't know. If I could do it in my own house, maybe, without them disturbing anything and just one or two people."

This statement didn't completely shut the door on acting but reflected a preference for the tranquility of his current life over the demands of film production.

Hackman's post-acting life is a testament to the power of creativity to evolve and adapt. From the silver screen to the solitude of his New Mexico home, Hackman has continued to explore and express his artistic talents, finding new ways to captivate and inspire.

His acting time was just as colorful, having won two Oscar awards. Over his impressive 40-year career, Hackman graced the silver screen with performances that have become emblematic of Hollywood's golden era.

His filmography is a testament to his versatile and dynamic acting prowess, earning him critical acclaim and a legion of fans worldwide. Among his numerous roles, Hackman is perhaps most celebrated for his riveting performances in classics such as "The French Connection," "Mississippi Burning," "The Royal Tenenbaums," "Unforgiven," and the "Superman" films.

However, Hackman's contributions to cinema extend far beyond these landmark films. His diverse range of characters includes memorable roles in "Welcome to Mooseport" (2004), "Runaway Jury" (2003), and "Behind Enemy Lines" (2001).

In the early 2000s, he also starred in "Heist" (2001), "Heartbreakers" (2001), "The Mexican" (2001), and "The Replacements" (2000), further solidifying his status as a bankable leading man.

Notably, his portrayals in "Enemy of the State" (1998), "The Birdcage" (1996), and "Crimson Tide" (1995) were met with both commercial success and critical acclaim. His earlier work includes the iconic "Superman" series, where his role as Lex Luthor from "Superman" (1978) to "Superman IV: The Quest for Peace" (1987) highlighted his versatility and skill in portraying villains.

Through these films and many others, Hackman's enduring legacy in the film industry is firmly cemented, offering a rich catalog of performances that continue to captivate audiences around the globe.