Hollywood legend Gene Hackman lived a long and quiet life away from the spotlight, and according to a close friend, that was largely thanks to his wife, Betsy Arakawa.
In a recent interview with The New York Times, longtime friend Tom Allin revealed just how much Arakawa meant to Hackman, saying the actor himself admitted he “would’ve died long ago” without her care.
She Took Care of Everything
Allin described Arakawa as Hackman’s protector. She managed his daily life, kept him on a strict diet, and made sure he stayed engaged with his friends. “She just really looked after him,” Allin said, recalling a moment on Hackman’s 90th birthday when she subtly mixed soda water into his wine to prevent him from drinking too much.
“She was very protective of him,” he added.
Their Final Days
Hackman, 95, and Arakawa, 65, were found dead in their Santa Fe home on February 26, 2025. Authorities confirmed that Arakawa died first from hantavirus, a rare but deadly disease spread through rodents. Hackman, who had been struggling with heart disease, high blood pressure, and Alzheimer’s, was alone with her body for days before he passed.
His pacemaker stopped on February 17, meaning he likely survived her by at least a few days. The couple’s dog, Zinna, was also found dead, while two other dogs were discovered alive.
A Love That Lasted
Hackman and Arakawa met in the 1980s when she worked at a Los Angeles gym while pursuing a career as a classical pianist. By 1990, they had settled in Santa Fe, and in 1991, they married. Unlike many Hollywood couples, they lived completely out of the public eye, prioritizing their quiet life together over the industry.
For Gene Hackman, his wife wasn’t just a partner, she was the reason he kept going. “She ran things, and he was happy to let her,” Allin said.
Even in death, their story remains one of love, devotion, and quiet strength.
