Inside Gene Hackman's 33-year marriage to Betsy Arakawa before tragic end
The actor and his wife were found dead at their home in Santa Fe, New Mexico, on Wednesday, with the couple's pet dog also found lifeless
The entertainment world has been struck with grief after beloved actor Gene Hackman's passing at 92-years-old, alongside his wife Betsy Arakawa, aged 63. An awful scene was uncovered at their New Mexico home on Wednesday when they were found deceased, including their pet dog.
Authorities have yet to disclose the cause, merely stating no foul play is suspected. Fans and colleagues alike are pouring out loving tributes as we reflect on the romantic saga that defined their union.
Gene, with two Academy Awards to his name, was previously hitched to Faye Maltese from 1956. In spite of perceptions, Gene once revealed in a chat with the South Florida Sun-Sentinel that he didn't abandon his first love for a younger flame.
Beloved actor Gene Hackman's passed away at 92-years-old, alongside his wife Betsy Arakawa (Image: WireImage)
He said: "By the way, I did not leave my real-life wife for a younger woman. We just drifted apart. We lost sight of each other. When you work in this business, marriage takes a great deal of work and love."
The Hawaiian-born Betsy crossed paths with Gene at an LA fitness centre where she worked part-time, according to The New York Times, and seemingly shared a passion for classical music. Betsy Arakawa has always preferred to keep it understated, steering clear of social media and typically not talking to the press.
Gene once opened up to the Irish Independent detailing how they enjoy the tranquility of their Santa Fe lifestyle: "Where we live, in Santa Fe, you can lead your own life and not be bothered by the latest gossip," reports The Express.
Gene and Betsy tied the knot back in 1991 and has since carved out a rather private life togethe (Image: WireImage)
The couple tied the knot back in 1991 and have since carved out a rather private life together. In an intimate reveal to Empire magazine in 2020, quoted by Express, Gene gave followers a peek into their quaint Friday date nights.
Relationship
When it came to discussing his other half's choice in films, he commented: "We like simple stories, that some of the little low-budget films manage to produce. Friday night is set aside for a Comedy Channel marathon, with particular attention paid to Eddie Izzard. The speed of thought is amazing."
Gene has indulged in serenity with his wife, far removed from the glamour of the film world (Image: Getty Images)
Their Santa Fe home isn't just any house; featured in Architectural Digest in 1990, Betsy's flair for design transformed a once-abandoned block into a haven. Not having kids of their own, Betsy stepped seamlessly into the role of stepmum to Gene's three children from his previous marriage - Christopher, Leslie Anne, and Elizabeth Jean.
Gene opened up about the hardships of fame on family life, allegedly telling how tough it is being a star's kid: "It's tough being the son or daughter of a celebrity. I couldn't always be home with them when they were growing up and then, living in California, they've had my success always hanging over their heads."
Family Ties
A trusted insider confided in Closer Weekly, revealing that in hindsight, Gene yearned for more family time, saying: "He wishes he'd been around more for his children, but now he's close with them and their kids."
Since bidding farewell to Tinseltown in 2004, Gene has indulged in serenity with his wife, far removed from the glamour of the film world. The insider spilled to Closer: "His health is good, he still bicycles, does yard work and he's a great handyman. After all the drama of Gene's career, he loves the peaceful life he shares with the lovely Betsy."
The pair made a rare public appearance last April, marking their first joint outing in over 20 years, with their last notable appearance together being the 2003 Globe Awards. The insider continued: "They have retreated to a happy life together."