Gene Hackman, a cinema legend whose career spanned six decades, was found dead at his home in Santa Fe, alongside his wife, Betsy Arakawa. Born in 1930, Hackman became a Hollywood icon thanks to his unforgettable roles in films such as The French Connection and Unforgiven, winning two Academy Awards. Despite his professional success, his personal life was fraught with challenges, including the premature death of his father and the eventual divorce from his first wife. Nevertheless, he found lasting happiness with Arakawa, whom he married in 1991.
Hackman’s road to fame was not easy. His father passed away when he was a child, and after dropping out of college, he struggled to make a name for himself as an actor. After moving to New York, he took on various odd jobs until he finally landed a breakthrough role in Hollywood. His first marriage to Faye Maltese, which produced three children, ended in divorce, largely due to the pressures of his demanding career. Hackman later admitted that his work often had a negative impact on his family life, especially his relationship with his son.
In contrast, his second marriage to classical pianist Betsy Arakawa gave him a sense of stability and fulfilment. They met in the 1980s at a gym and, despite their large age difference, formed a deep bond. Hackman often emphasised that Arakawa had a positive influence on him. After retiring in 2004, the couple settled in Santa Fe, where Hackman devoted himself to his passions, such as painting and gardening. Away from the glare of the spotlight, he embraced a quieter, more intimate life.
Hackman’s decision to retire from Hollywood was dictated by both personal and health reasons. Although he missed acting itself, the increasingly stressful business side of the industry led him to rethink his priorities. In addition, heart problems prompted him to reflect on his health, which led him to focus on his own well-being. In retirement, he lived in privacy, rarely appearing in public. Nevertheless, occasional sightings of him running errands or working in his garden aroused curiosity and admiration, and fans could not help but notice how elegantly he was ageing.
Despite his reclusive lifestyle in later years, Hackman remained a beloved figure, and his legacy continued to inspire generations of actors and fans. His rare public appearances always attracted attention, reflecting the deep respect audiences had for his contribution to cinema. In the end, he lived a full and meaningful life, enjoying time with his wife, children and grandchildren. His journey – from personal hardship to Hollywood stardom and finally a peaceful retirement – remains a testament to his strength and lasting influence on the film industry.
