Gene Hackman’s Wife Betsy Is the Reason the Actor Didn’t Die ‘Long Ago,’ Close Friend Says

Mar. 15, 2025

Gene Hackmanwould have likely died “long ago” without the help and support of his loving wife,Betsy Arakawa, a close friend of the actor has said.

While speaking to theNew York Times, Tom Allin, who had been friends with Hackman for around 20 years, insistedThe French Connectionstar “seemed happy” to have his wife “run things” and take care of him.

“She was very protective of him,” Allin told the outlet, adding that Hackman had said he probably would have died “long ago” without the care of his beloved wife, who looked after him and made sure he had a healthy diet.

Allin said Arakawa would serve as “something of a gatekeeper” for her husband, and would often set up golf games or meetings for the two friends.

“She just really looked after him,” Allin shared, remembering the time Arakawa had mixed soda water in with Hackman’s wine during his 90th birthday celebrations in Islamorada, Fla. in January 2020.

From Left: Betsy Arakawa and Gene Hackman pictured in 1986.Donaldson Collection/Michael Ochs Archives/Getty

Donaldson Collection/Michael Ochs Archives/Getty

Hackman, 95, and his classical pianist wife, 65 — who opted to live a quiet life in New Mexico away from the spotlight —were found deceasedat their property in Santa Fe Summit on Wednesday, Feb. 26.

From Left: Betsy Arakawa and Gene Hackman on Jan. 19, 2003.AP Photo/Mark J. Terrill

AP Photo/Mark J. Terrill

Hantavirus cases are relatively rare, but are fatal in up to 42% of cases in New Mexico, said Erin Phipps, a veterinarian with the New Mexico Health Department. Phipps added that there had been less than 10 cases of hantavirus in the state in the last five years.

Hackman died from a combination of severe heart disease, high blood pressure andadvanced Alzheimer’s disease, and waslikely alone in the homewith his dead wife for days, authorities said.

From Left: Gene Hackman and Betsy Arakawa.Ron Galella/Ron Galella Collection via Getty

Ron Galella/Ron Galella Collection via Getty

The last activity on Hackman’s pacemaker was registered on Feb. 17. Jarrell said it was “reasonable to conclude” that Hackman, who had no food in his stomach at the time of his death, died the following day. However, the iconic actor showed no signs of dehydration.

“It is reasonable to conclude that Ms. Hackman passed first,” the chief medical examiner told reporters.

Gene Hackman and Betsy Arakawa pictured in 1992.Ron Galella Collection via Getty

Ron Galella Collection via Getty

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The couple’s dog, Zinna, was found dead, crated in a closet, a few feet away from Arakawa. Two other dogs were found alive on the sprawling property. A necropsy is being conducted to determine Zinna’s cause of death.

Hackman, considered one of thefinest actors of his generation, met Arakawa when she was working part-time at a gym in Los Angeles and pursuing a career in classical music, per theNew York Times. By 1990, they shared a home in Santa Fe and wed the following year.

source: people.com