Gene Hackman’s wife Betsy Arakawa enforced yoga, Tai Chi and 'spiritual' lifestyle on him, claims source

SANTA FE, NEW MEXICO: Gene Hackman, the legendary two-time Oscar-winning actor, was no stranger to transformation, slipping into roles like the tough cop in 'The French Connection' or the ruthless sheriff in 'Unforgiven', throughout his six-decade-long career.

But behind the scenes, it was his wife, Betsy Arakawa, who orchestrated a transformation of a different kind, one that involved senior exercises, yoga, and spirituality.

Betsy Arakawa took charge of Gene Hackman's health, settled in Sant Fe given its 'spiritual vortex' 

According to a source who spoke exclusively to Daily Mail, Betsy Arakawa wanted her husband to live as long as possible and pushed him to stay active even as his body naturally slowed down with age.

The Hawaiian native, who was of Japanese ancestry, "believed staying physically fit was of utmost importance to his health."

A former fitness center employee, Arakawa took it upon herself to ensure Gene remained mobile for as long as possible.

Even at 95 years old, she preferred he walk with a cane rather than use a wheelchair.

She incorporated yoga and Tai Chi into his routine and, before his mobility declined significantly, had him engage in "senior exercises" such as strength training and balance practice.

But her influence didn’t stop at physical activity.

The couple settled in Santa Fe, New Mexico, not just for its picturesque landscape but because Arakawa felt the area was home to a "spiritual vortex" that made it "magical."

Reportedly, a spiritual vortex refers to a place on Earth believed to contain a concentrated flow of spiritual energy, creating an environment for deep contemplation, self-discovery, and heightened spiritual experiences.

Betsy Arakawa’s commitment to fitness shaped her relationship with Gene Hackman

Moreover, Betsy Arakawa's passion for physical fitness was long-standing.

During her university years at the University of Southern California (1981-1983), she was a cheerleader for the Los Angeles Aztecs, a professional soccer team.

The couple’s love story began in the 1980s when Arakawa was working part-time at a Los Angeles fitness center. They dated for seven years before marrying on December 1, 1991.

Despite his Hollywood status, Hackman was allegedly known for his love of fast food and sweets like cake.

But Arakawa put an end to those indulgences, enforcing a strict clean-eating diet.

She frequently prepared dishes centered around fish, vegetables, and red curry, a spice blend packed with immune-boosting antioxidants like turmeric, ginger, and cumin.

Miso soup and shrimp salad were among Hackman's favorite meals, the Daily Mail reported.

Hackman also enjoyed staying active through golf, and Arakawa would take him on walks in nature.

Yet, the couple’s final days remain shrouded in mystery.

Mystery surrounds Gene Hackman and wife’s deaths

The late actor and his wife were discovered dead in their Santa Fe mansion, having passed away several days prior.

Investigators are working to establish the timeline of their deaths, with one peculiar clue emerging: Hackman's pacemaker registered its last event on February 17, nine days before his body was found.

Sheriff Adan Mendoza of Santa Fe County addressed the circumstances surrounding their passing, stating that initial findings noted "no external trauma to either individual."

However, he acknowledged that pills found near Arakawa's body were "of concern," though no conclusions have been drawn regarding their role in the deaths.

"The manner and cause of death have not been determined. The official results of the autopsy and toxicology reports are pending," Mendoza added.

Authorities initially suspected carbon monoxide poisoning but ruled it out after further examination.

They are now interviewing Hackman's three children from his first marriage in hopes of piecing together the couple’s final days.