It’s a fact that Gene Hackman was one of the most prolific actors of his generation. Applauded for his roles in “The French Connection”, “Unforgiven” and “Mississippi Burning” among many others, Gene won over 70 awards, and was nominated for over 100 others throughout his decades-long career in Hollywood.
While less famous than her husband, Gene’s wife Betsy Arakawa was also accomplished on her own as a classical pianist, interior designer, and businesswoman. The age difference between the pair didn’t stop them from finding love in each other, remaining together for several decades until their tragic demise in 2025.
The news of their passing spread quickly, not only because of Gene’s status as a Hollywood legend, but also because of the strange and unexpected circumstances surrounding the couple’s demise.
So what exactly happened to Gene and Betsy, and why has their death brought up so many questions? Keep with us to find out!
What Happened To Gene & Betsy?
News about Gene Hackman and his wife Betsy Arakawa’s passing became known on 27 February 2025. However, the exact date of their deaths has only been theorized so far, as their bodies weren’t found until several days after their apparent passing at their home in Santa Fe, New Mexico – he was 95 years old and she was 65.
According to reports, tragic scene was discovered by maintenance worker, worried about the couple when they didn’t open the door to their house. Their bodies were discovered after the worker called for help ,and authorities subsequently took care of the deceased. While criminal activity wasn’t suspected in the case, an investigation was started due to the authorities considering the conditions surrounding their deaths to be ‘suspicious enough’. Besides Gene and Betsy, one of their three dogs was also found dead; the others were relocated to other homes.
Following the investigation, it was determined that Gene had likely died on 18 February after experiencing heart complications. He suffered from Alzheimer’s, which made it likely that he didn’t realize that his wife Betsy, who was also his caregiver, had died around 12 February from Hantavirus, a pulmonary virus known to often accelerate quickly, resulting in death. On the day of her assumed passing, Betsy was appointed to attend a physician, but never made it to the appointment.
The Aftermath
As usually happens with celebrities, the deaths of Gene and Betsy brought out a controversy regarding the revelation of sensitive information about their demise. Following Gene and Betsy’s autopsies, it was revealed by the media that both bodies were found in a state of decomposition, especially in her case. This led Gene’s estate to request the seal off sensitive images about the case, including those which showed how the bodies were found.
This block was filed under the argument that it affected the privacy of their families, though the request was deemed ‘unusual’ by a representative of the New Mexico Foundation for Open Government.
Another heartbreaking detail about the case was the death of Zinna, one of the couple’s three dogs. According to reports, Zinna was in a crate by the time Betsy passed away, subsequently dying from starvation. The other dogs survived, and reportedly guided authorities to the bodies once they entered the house.
Another big point of interest in the deaths of Gene and Betsy is their inheritances. Gene’s will states that Betsy was his sole beneficiary and he in her will. Given the conditions surrounding their deaths, and what’s stated in their wills, Betsy’s inheritance would most likely go to charity, but Gene’s $80 million fortune would probably be passed down to his children, according to reports.
What Happened To His Children?
Several years before meeting and marrying Betsy Arakawa, Gene Hackman was married to Faye Maltese, a bank worker. The couple tied the knot in 1956, and welcomed three children they named Christopher, Elizabeth, and Leslie Anne.
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However, Gene’s acting job kept him from spending much time with his children, an attitude he described to The New York Times as ‘selfish’ on his part, acknowledging that he willingly spent several months away from his family and was ‘too poor’ to resist the ‘temptations’ which came with it. In other interviews, he also acknowledged that it was difficult for his children to deal with the demands of his job and fame ‘hanging over them’.
Following his divorce from Faye in 1986, Gene officially started dating Betsy, with whom he didn’t welcome any children. Though not all details about his relationship with his children are known, in 2011 the veteran actor confirmed that he had ‘lost touch’ with his son Christopher in terms of advice, as he was unable to go back home after months working and ‘boss’ the boy around.
Nonetheless, it seems that Gene eventually fixed his relationship with his children, as following their deaths. even his daughter Leslie described his marriage to Betsy as a ‘wonderful one’ – Gene also credited Betsy for helping him reconnect with his family.
How Was Gene and Betsy’s Life Together?
Gene Hackman and Betsy Arakawa met in the early 1980s when the actor was still married to Faye Maltese. They began dating in 1984, two years before his divorce had been finalized, and married in 1991. According to reports, Gene and Betsy met at a fitness center where she worked part-time. She was in her late 20s at the time, and was a classically trained pianist hailing from Hawaii.
By 1990, Gene and Betsy were already living in their mansion in Santa Fe, New Mexico. The couple decorated the home together to make sure it had a ‘pure pueblo’ style, and enjoyed the open view of it, as they confessed in an Architectural Digest feature from 1990. They lived in that house until their deaths.
Regarding their lifestyles, Betsy and Gene were known in their community for their deep love for their dogs. According to the owner of a pet shop where Betsy used to buy her dog’s food, she was a ‘devoted’ dog owner who doted a lot. on her pets. Regarding Gene’s health, it was reported by his daughter Leslie that his memory loss had started recently, and that he was ‘okay’ and ‘active’, making his demise all the more shocking.
All in all, the situation surrounding Gene and Betsy’s passing is sad and somewhat confusing, but there’s no denying that the pair had a good life and left many good memories behind.
