Gene Hackman and Betsy Arakawa Seen in Last Photos Taken During Rare Outing Nearly 1 Year Before Their Deaths

Mar. 15, 2025

The last photos ofGene Hackmanand hiswife Betsy Arakawahave been revealed after they were bothfound dead at their Santa Fe home.The iconic actor, 95, and his classical pianist wife, 65, were found deceased at their property in Santa Fe Summit on Wednesday, Feb. 26, reported theSanta Fe New Mexican, citing County Sheriff Adan Mendoza.The sheriff confirmed to the outlet that the couple had died, along with their dog.The pair were last pictured together on March 28, 2024, as Hackman was seen holding on to his wife’s arm as they grabbed lunch together at Pappadeaux Seafood Kitchen in Santa Fe, New Mexico, where the actor had lived since the 1980s.Hackman held onto a walking stick while wearing casual attire next to Arakawa, whom he married in 1991, as they made their way to the eatery.Gene Hackman and wife Betsy Arakawa on March 28, 2024, in Santa Fe, New Mexico.SplashNewsThe private couple was rarely seen out in public together, and the last time they attended an event was thought to be at the 2003Golden Globes, where Hackman washonored with the Cecil B. DeMille Awardfor his “outstanding contributions to the world of entertainment.“As news of Hackman and Arakawa’s death emerged, Santa Fe County Sheriff Adan Mendoza stated there was no immediate indication of foul play involved, per theSanta Fe New Mexican. The officer also did not provide a cause of death or say when the couple might have died.Hackman had retired from acting after starring in the 2004 comedyWelcome to Mooseport. Just a few years before, he’d thrilled audiences in Wes Anderson’sThe Royal Tenenbaumsas the dying patriarch of a family of kooky geniuses (including Anjelica Huston,Gwyneth Paltrow,Ben Stillerand Luke Wilson).After an acting career that spanned four decades, Hackman decided he’d done enough after starring in movies such as 1971’sThe French Connection, 1974’sThe Conversation, 1978’sSuperman, 1992’sUnforgivenand 1996’sThe Birdcage.Gene Hackman and Betsy Arakawa.DMI/The LIFE Picture Collection/ShutterstockIn 2004,Hackman told Larry Kingin an interview that his career was “probably all over,” and that he had no new scripts in front of him. Confirming his retirement in 2008, he expanded on his thoughts several years later, tellingGQin 2011 that it would take a lot for him to make another film.“I don’t know. If I could do it in my own house, maybe, without them disturbing anything and just one or two people,” he said, later telling the outlet that he just hoped to be remembered “as a decent actor.”While on a book tour for his novelEscape from Andersonvillein 2008, Hackman then told theRaleigh News & Observerthat hedidn’t want to “keep pressing”and risk “going out on a sour note.““I feel comfortable with what I’ve done,” he insisted.Betsy Arakawa and Gene Hackman are pictured at the 2003 Golden Globes.Jeffrey Mayer/WireImageNever miss a story — sign up forPEOPLE’s free daily newsletterto stay up-to-date on the best of what PEOPLE has to offer​​, from celebrity news to compelling human interest stories.Hackman turned to painting and did voice-over work and writing books. He penned the old west storyPayback at Morning Peak(2011) and the police thrillerPursuit(2013), as well as co-authoring three works of historical fiction with undersea archeologist Daniel Lenihan.The former marine has since also narrated two documentary films:The Unknown Flag Raiser of Iwo Jim(2016) andWe, the Marines(2017).Hackman leaves behindthree childrenhe shared with his first wife, Faye Maltese: Christopher Allen, Elizabeth Jean and Leslie Ann Hackman.

The last photos ofGene Hackmanand hiswife Betsy Arakawahave been revealed after they were bothfound dead at their Santa Fe home.

The iconic actor, 95, and his classical pianist wife, 65, were found deceased at their property in Santa Fe Summit on Wednesday, Feb. 26, reported theSanta Fe New Mexican, citing County Sheriff Adan Mendoza.

The sheriff confirmed to the outlet that the couple had died, along with their dog.

The pair were last pictured together on March 28, 2024, as Hackman was seen holding on to his wife’s arm as they grabbed lunch together at Pappadeaux Seafood Kitchen in Santa Fe, New Mexico, where the actor had lived since the 1980s.

Hackman held onto a walking stick while wearing casual attire next to Arakawa, whom he married in 1991, as they made their way to the eatery.

Gene Hackman and wife Betsy Arakawa on March 28, 2024, in Santa Fe, New Mexico.SplashNews

SplashNews

The private couple was rarely seen out in public together, and the last time they attended an event was thought to be at the 2003Golden Globes, where Hackman washonored with the Cecil B. DeMille Awardfor his “outstanding contributions to the world of entertainment.”

As news of Hackman and Arakawa’s death emerged, Santa Fe County Sheriff Adan Mendoza stated there was no immediate indication of foul play involved, per theSanta Fe New Mexican. The officer also did not provide a cause of death or say when the couple might have died.

Hackman had retired from acting after starring in the 2004 comedyWelcome to Mooseport. Just a few years before, he’d thrilled audiences in Wes Anderson’sThe Royal Tenenbaumsas the dying patriarch of a family of kooky geniuses (including Anjelica Huston,Gwyneth Paltrow,Ben Stillerand Luke Wilson).

After an acting career that spanned four decades, Hackman decided he’d done enough after starring in movies such as 1971’sThe French Connection, 1974’sThe Conversation, 1978’sSuperman, 1992’sUnforgivenand 1996’sThe Birdcage.

Gene Hackman and Betsy Arakawa.DMI/The LIFE Picture Collection/Shutterstock

DMI/The LIFE Picture Collection/Shutterstock

In 2004,Hackman told Larry Kingin an interview that his career was “probably all over,” and that he had no new scripts in front of him. Confirming his retirement in 2008, he expanded on his thoughts several years later, tellingGQin 2011 that it would take a lot for him to make another film.

“I don’t know. If I could do it in my own house, maybe, without them disturbing anything and just one or two people,” he said, later telling the outlet that he just hoped to be remembered “as a decent actor.”

While on a book tour for his novelEscape from Andersonvillein 2008, Hackman then told theRaleigh News & Observerthat hedidn’t want to “keep pressing”and risk “going out on a sour note.”

“I feel comfortable with what I’ve done,” he insisted.

Betsy Arakawa and Gene Hackman are pictured at the 2003 Golden Globes.Jeffrey Mayer/WireImage

Jeffrey Mayer/WireImage

Never miss a story — sign up forPEOPLE’s free daily newsletterto stay up-to-date on the best of what PEOPLE has to offer​​, from celebrity news to compelling human interest stories.

Hackman turned to painting and did voice-over work and writing books. He penned the old west storyPayback at Morning Peak(2011) and the police thrillerPursuit(2013), as well as co-authoring three works of historical fiction with undersea archeologist Daniel Lenihan.

The former marine has since also narrated two documentary films:The Unknown Flag Raiser of Iwo Jim(2016) andWe, the Marines(2017).

Hackman leaves behindthree childrenhe shared with his first wife, Faye Maltese: Christopher Allen, Elizabeth Jean and Leslie Ann Hackman.

source: people.com