Friends of Hollywood Legend Gene Hackman Share Heartbreaking Insights About His Final Years

The world was stunned by the tragic news of Hollywood icon Gene Hackman’s passing last week. The acclaimed actor, known for his unforgettable roles in classics like Hoosiers and Crimson Tide, was found deceased in his Santa Fe, New Mexico, home alongside his wife, Betsy Arakawa, and one of their dogs. Hackman, who retired from acting after his 2004 film Welcome to Mooseport, had lived a quiet life in New Mexico, far from the glitz of Hollywood.

Initial speculation pointed to carbon monoxide poisoning as the cause of death, given that both Hackman and his wife, as well as their dog, were found lifeless. However, authorities have since ruled out this possibility, leaving the circumstances surrounding their deaths shrouded in mystery.

Gene Hackman during Runaway Jury Press Conference with Dustin Hoffman, Gene Hackman, John Cusack and Rachel Weisz at Wyndham Hotel in New Orleans, Louisiana, United States. (Photo by Vera Anderson/WireImage)

In the wake of the tragedy, close friends of the late actor have come forward to share poignant revelations about his life in his final years. Daniel and Barbara Lenihan, longtime friends of Hackman and his wife, revealed that the actor’s health had been declining in recent months. Speaking to People magazine, the couple described how Hackman had become “essentially kind of homebound” and that his condition was “really slipping” during his last days.

Despite his health challenges, Betsy Arakawa, described as being in “perfect health” and “so fit,” remained devoted to caring for her husband. “She was still trying to keep him as active, engaged, and healthy as possible,” shared Aaron Lenihan, the couple’s son, in the same interview.

Hackman’s reclusive nature in recent years was further compounded by the COVID-19 pandemic, according to another friend, Stuart Ashman. Speaking to Fox News, Ashman explained, “After COVID, he became more reclusive, protecting his immune system and everything else. It’s kind of a tragic mystery in a way.”

The beloved actor, who had largely stayed out of the public eye since his retirement, spent his final years in the serene landscapes of New Mexico, far removed from the spotlight that once defined his career. As investigations into the couple’s untimely deaths continue, friends and fans alike are left reflecting on the legacy of a man who brought so much to the silver screen—and the quiet, private life he cherished until the very end.