Betsy Arakawa kept Gene Hackman on strict diet for years before his death, business partner reveals

SANTA FE, NEW MEXICO: Gene Hackman’s longtime friend and former business partner, Doug Lanham, shared that the legendary actor followed a strict diet under the firm guidance of his wife, Betsy Arakawa.

Doug Lanham, a longtime friend and former business associate, told TMZ that Betsy Arakawa closely monitored Gene’s diet, insisting he followed a strict eating regimen. 

Gene Hackman's business partner reveals wife put him on strict diet

Despite co-ownning a restaurant for years, Gene Hackman rarely indulged in the rich, indulgent meals it served. Instead, his wife kept him on a disciplined meal plan.

Lanham revealed that the only time Hackman managed to sneak in a cheat meal was during their golf outings, one of the few times he was out of Arakawa’s sight.

Hackman, who had long stepped away from acting, found a second passion in the restaurant business. Lanham recalled how the Oscar winner first became interested in the industry, eventually co-owning Jinja Bar & Bistro. Even after selling his stake seven years ago, Hackman remained a frequent guest, opting for healthier choices like halibut or rice-paper salmon instead of steak.

The 'French Connection' star wasn’t just a silent investor, he personally contributed to the restaurant, designing much of the artwork that adorned its walls. 

Doug recalls Gene as a prankster who loved pulling silly tricks on him, one of his favorites was pressing a finger to Doug’s back and saying, "Reach for the stars."

Gene and his wife, Betsy, were discovered deceased in their home on Wednesday, February 26. According to the warrant application, authorities suspect there may be something unusual about their deaths. A neighborhood caretaker was the one who alerted police with a 911 call. Upon arrival, officers confirmed that both had died at the scene. Gene was 95, while Arakawa was 63.

The investigation remains ongoing.

Preliminary autopsy shows no external injuries on Gene Hackman and wife

Preliminary autopsy findings for legendary actor Gene Hackman and his wife, Betsy Arakawa, revealed no external injuries, yet investigators have classified their deaths as “suspicious.”

According to the Santa Fe County Sheriff’s Office, there were no visible signs of foul play, nor were there indications of a struggle or missing valuables. However, Sheriff Adan Mendoza emphasized that authorities are leaving no stone unturned.

“The circumstances surrounding the death of the two deceased individuals (are considered) to be suspicious enough in nature to require a thorough search and investigation,” a sheriff’s deputy stated in an affidavit for a search warrant. Sheriff Mendoza reiterated that while foul play is not suspected at this time, it has not been ruled out entirely.

Investigators have ordered toxicology screenings and carbon monoxide tests to determine whether an unseen environmental factor may have played a role. The results could take weeks to process, delaying official confirmation of the cause and manner of death.