Gene Hackman felt losing touch with son was 'tough' and regretted not being around before reconciliation
SANTA FE, NEW MEXICO: Gene Hackman, the acclaimed retired actor and two-time Oscar winner, and his wife Betsy Arakawa, 63, were found dead at their Santa Fe home on Wednesday, February 26.
Although Hackman, 95, retired from the film industry in 2004 and settled down with Arakawa, he once expressed regret over not being more present for his three children due to his demanding acting career.
Despite his many accolades from a career spanning hundreds of films, Hackman always considered his greatest pride to be his role as a devoted father, grandfather, and family man.
Hackman shared three children with his late ex-wife, Fay Maltese, who died in 2017: Christopher Allen, born in January 1960; Elizabeth Jean, born in August 1962; and Leslie Anne, born in October 1966.
Gene Hackman deeply valued his children
A source close to Gene Hackman previously told Closer Weekly that he deeply values his connection with his children, who maintain a low profile, away from public attention, and grandchildren. The insider shared at the time, "He wishes he'd been around more for his children, but now he's close with them and their kids."
Reflecting on the struggles of balancing his demanding acting career with fatherhood, Hackman opened up about the difficulty of maintaining a strong parental role in a GQ interview.
"I lost touch with my son in terms of advice early on. Maybe it had to do with being gone so much, doing location films when he was at an age where he needed support and guidance. It was very tough for me to be gone for three months and then come home and start bossing him around," he said.
Hackman, whose impressive acting career spanned multiple genres, worked alongside some of the most talented directors and co-stars in the industry, as per AmoMama.
"It was a choice grounded in the depth of his longing to bid farewell to a profession that had been his life's symphony," he explained.
Though Hackman made an indelible mark on the film industry, he officially retired in 2004. He said in a 2008 interview, "I haven’t held a press conference to announce my retirement, but yes, I’m not going to act any longer. I miss the actual acting part of it, as it’s what I did for almost 60 years, and I really loved that," as per Closer Weekly.
Gene Hackman experienced peace after retiring from Hollywood
Although Gene Hackman retired from Hollywood, he found peace and fulfillment in pursuing his passion for creative expression through writing. He turned to penning his thoughts and stories, finding solace in artistic endeavors.
Reflecting on his decision to leave the film industry, Hackman admitted that the stress had taken a toll on him.
"The business for me is very stressful. The compromises that you have to make in films are just part of the beast, and it had gotten to a point where I just didn't feel like I wanted to do it anymore," he confessed.
His decision to retire was also influenced by a health scare, as a stress test revealed a weak heart, prompting him to prioritize his well-being and reflect on the colorful pages of his life.
He told Empire in 2009, “The straw that broke the camel’s back was actually a stress test that I took in New York. The doctor advised me that my heart wasn’t in the kind of shape that I should be putting it under any stress.”
Hackman moved to Santa Fe, New Mexico, where he rediscovered the joy of living life at his own pace. In Santa Fe, he found peace and happiness. Hackman also became a published author, writing and co-writing books such as Payback at 'Morning Peak, Pursuit', and 'Escape from Andersonville'.
Hackman married Betsey Arakawa in 1991 after beginning their relationship in 1984. Despite their 31-year age difference, the couple fell deeply in love and chose to settle in Santa Fe, where Hackman reportedly "loves the peaceful life." The two have no children together, but Hackman has three children from his previous marriage.
