Gene Hackman Friends Made Telling Admission About His Wife

Published: Mar 05 2025

Close acquaintances of the late Hollywood legend Gene Hackman have shed poignant insights into his condition in the days preceding his demise. Renowned for his roles in films such as "Hoosiers" and "Crimson Tide," Hackman was discovered deceased in his New Mexico abode last week, shortly after bidding farewell to the silver screen in "Welcome to Mooseport" in 2004. He had relocated to New Mexico, embracing a quiet life away from the Hollywood limelight, where he shared his Santa Fe home with his wife, Betsy Arakawa. Tragically, Betsy and their pet dog were also found deceased within the residence.

Gene Hackman Friends Made Telling Admission About His Wife 1

Initial conjectures among friends and family pointed towards carbon monoxide poisoning as a potential culprit, given the simultaneous passing of Hackman, his wife, and their canine companion. However, official authorities have discounted this possibility.

Now, intimate friends of the deceased Hollywood icon have offered a heartfelt revelation regarding Hackman's well-being in his twilight years. Daniel and Barbara Lenihan, long-standing family friends of the late actor and his spouse, revealed in a Friday interview with People magazine that Hackman's condition had "noticeably declined" in the "final few months."

Although Daniel and Barbara refrained from disclosing specific medical details, they painted a picture of Hackman as "effectively confined to his home," rarely venturing into the public eye in recent times. His last acting gig was a distant memory, spanning over two decades. Hackman and Betsy had found solace in their New Mexico haven, where Betsy, believed to be in excellent health, strived to maintain Hackman's vitality and engagement.

"She was steadfast in her efforts to keep him active, engaged, and healthy," shared Aaron, the son of Daniel and Barbara Lenihan, with People. Barbara Lenihan echoed, "Betsy was in peak physical condition and remarkably fit."

Stuart Ashman, another close confidant of Hackman, spoke to Fox News about the adverse impact of COVID-19 on the late actor's life. "Following the pandemic, he became more withdrawn, guarding his immune system and his overall health," Ashman revealed to Fox News. "I'm genuinely perplexed by the entire situation. Various reports are emerging, casting a shroud of mystery over his passing, tinged with tragedy."

Investigations into the cause of their deaths continue.

View all