Gene Hackman led reclusive life with family before he was found dead alongside wife Betsy Arakawa and dog

Gene Hackman married Faye Maltese and had three children, then married Betsy Arakawa in 1991 and lived privately until his last sighting in March 2024
UPDATED FEB 27, 2025
Actor Gene Hackman and his wife Betsy Arakawa were found dead with their dog at their home (Getty Awards)
Actor Gene Hackman and his wife Betsy Arakawa were found dead with their dog at their home (Getty Awards)

SANTA FE, NEW MEXICO: Gene Hackman, who died at the age of 95 on February 27, alongside his wife, classical pianist Betsy Arakawa, was known for living a private and peaceful life away from the spotlight since retirement.

Santa Fe County Sheriff Adan Mendoza confirmed the heartbreaking news, stating that the two-time Oscar winner, his wife, and their dog had sadly died. Authorities do not suspect foul play.

Portrait of Gene Hackman (Photo by Herbert Dorfman/Corbis via Getty Images)
Portrait of Gene Hackman (Herbert Dorfman/Corbis via Getty Images)

Gene Hackman's celebrated Hollywood career before retirement

Spanning over six decades, Gene Hackman’s career was nothing short of extraordinary, as per Express UK.



 

He won his first Oscar for Best Actor in 1972 for his role in 'The French Connection' and later secured a second Academy Award for his performance in 'Unforgiven'.

Born in California on January 30, 1930, Hackman joined the army at just 16 after lying about his age.



 

Following four and a half years of service, he returned to California before eventually moving to New York to study journalism.

It was during this time that he discovered his passion for acting, setting him on the path to becoming one of Hollywood's most respected actors.



 

In 1972, he won his first Oscar, and within the next three years, he starred in 10 films, proving his immense versatility and dedication to the craft.

His performance in 'Unforgiven' (1992), directed by Clint Eastwood, earned him his second Oscar and cemented his status as a Hollywood legend.

Gene Hackman's retirement from acting in 2004

After delivering an extensive filmography of unforgettable performances, Gene Hackman took his final bow in the 2004 film 'Welcome to Mooseport'.

Shortly after, he announced his retirement from acting, choosing to step away from Hollywood for good.

Cecil B. DeMille Award winner, Gene Hackman, backstage at the 60th Annual Golden Globe Awards held at the Beverly Hilton Hotel in Beverly Hills, CA., January 19, 2003. Photo by Kevin Winter/Getty Images
Cecil B DeMille Award winner, Gene Hackman, backstage at the 60th Annual Golden Globe Awards held at the Beverly Hilton Hotel in Beverly Hills, CA., January 19, 2003 (Kevin Winter/Getty Images)

On July 7, 2004, Hackman candidly spoke about his decision to retire during an interview with Larry King, explaining that he had no upcoming projects and considered his acting career to be over, as per Daily Mail

Later, while promoting his book in 2008, he confirmed his retirement to Reuters (as per BBC), saying, “I haven’t held a press conference to announce retirement, but yes, I’m not going to act any longer. I’ve been told not to say that over the last few years, in case some real wonderful part comes up, but I really don’t want to do it any longer.”

Gene Hackman's private family life with wife and children

Outside the limelight, Gene Hackman led a private family life. From 1956 to 1986, he was married to Faye Maltese. 

Gene Hackman and Faye Maltese, circa 1980's (Photo by Ralph Dominguez/MediaPunch via Getty Images)
Gene Hackman and Faye Maltese, circa 1980's (Ralph Dominguez/MediaPunch via Getty Images)

He shared three children with Maltese: Christopher, Elizabeth, and Leslie. Though they largely remained out of the public eye, they were occasionally seen accompanying their father to glamorous Hollywood events.

Actor Gene Hackman and wife Betsy Arakawa pose for a portrait in 1986 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Donaldson Collection/Michael Ochs Archives/Getty Images)
Actor Gene Hackman and wife Betsy Arakawa pose for a portrait in 1986 in Los Angeles, California (Donaldson Collection/Michael Ochs Archives/Getty Images)

In 1991, Hackman married Betsy Arakawa, a classical pianist 30 years his junior.

Actor Gene Hackman and his daughters, attending a celebrity baseball game in Hollywood, California, circa 1975-1985. (Photo by Frank Edwards/Archive Photos/Getty Images)
Actor Gene Hackman and his daughters, attending a celebrity baseball game in Hollywood, California, circa 1975-1985 (Frank Edwards/Archive Photos/Getty Images)

The couple made their home in Santa Fe, New Mexico, where they were active members of the community for many years.

His last public sighting came in March 2024, when he and his wife, Arakawa were seen enjoying lunch at Pappadeaux’s Seafood Kitchen in New Mexico.

Actor Gene Hackman and his daughters, attending a celebrity baseball game in Hollywood, California, circa 1975-1985. (Photo by Frank Edwards/Archive Photos/Getty Images)
Actor Gene Hackman and his daughters, attending a celebrity baseball game in Hollywood, California, circa 1975-1985 (Frank Edwards/Archive Photos/Getty Images)

It marked the first time they had been spotted together publicly in over two decades, their last high-profile appearance being at the 2003 Golden Globe Awards when Hackman was honored with the Cecil B DeMille Award.

MORE STORIES

The post Khloe Kardashian liked featured Charlie Kirk speaking with a fan at an event about his devout Christian faith
Sep 13, 2025
Whitney Cummings sparked widespread outrage after posting a controversial tweet about the killing of conservative activist Charlie Kirk
Sep 13, 2025
Prince Harry was spotted entering King Charles’s London residence, months after saying his father had ignored his calls
Sep 11, 2025
Rosie O'Donnell said Ellen DeGeneres’ friendship denial hurt so much she printed T-shirts for her staff reading, 'I don’t know Rosie, we’re not friends'
Sep 10, 2025
A post alleged that Karoline Leavitt called Patti LaBelle 'just a singer,' leading LaBelle to deliver a seven-word response that froze the studio
Sep 10, 2025
Jennifer Lopez feels free channeling emotions into music, but Ben Affleck is embarrassed and sees it as crossing a line, according to the source
Sep 9, 2025
Howard Stern added that he missed last week’s show due to illness, not contract talks, and addressed rumors of being fired from his own show
Sep 9, 2025
Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce’s engagement in August 2025 triggered a wave of pregnancy chatter after an ultrasound photo went viral
Sep 9, 2025
Ed Sheeran, 34, revealed that he was leaving Suffolk with his wife Cherry Seaborn and their two daughters, Lyra and Jupiter
Sep 9, 2025
From Ice Spice’s chaotic corset to Paris Hilton’s flame dress, see the celebs who landed on the worst-dressed list at the 2025 VMAs
Sep 8, 2025