Gene Hackman and his wife, Betsy Arakawa, enjoyed a rare dinner outing in March 2024, just months before they were found dead at their Santa Fe home, per the New York Post.
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The couple, who had been married since 1991, died alongside their dog. Police have confirmed that no foul play is suspected, the Santa Fe New Mexican reported.
Hackman, 95, and Arakawa, 63, were seen together for the last time on March 28, 2024, at Pappadeaux's Seafood Kitchen in Santa Fe. Hackman was pictured holding Arakawa's arm and using a cane.
The actor, who had lived in Santa Fe since 2004, wore khaki cargo pants, trail shoes, a zip-up vest over a checkered shirt, and a beige cap with sunglasses. Arakawa wore a patterned shirt, blue jeans, and brown suede boots.
Hackman Rarely Seen Out
This outing marked the first time the couple had been seen publicly in 21 years. The last public appearance had been at the 2003 Golden Globes. That was when Hackman received the Cecil B. DeMille Award for "outstanding contributions to the world of entertainment." At the ceremony, Hackman was praised by Michael Caine and the late Robin Williams.
The following year, Hackman retired from acting after his final film role in Welcome to Mooseport. He made his retirement official in 2008. He spent most of the time after promoting his third novel, Escape From Andersonville.
A two-time Oscar winner, he then made it clear that he no longer wished to act.
"I haven't held a press conference to announce retirement, but yes, I'm not going to act any longer," Hackman said at the time. "I've been told not to say that over the last few years, in case some real wonderful part comes up, but I really don't want to do it any longer."
Hackman also shared his love for writing. He described it as more private than acting. "It's similar in some ways to acting, but it's more private, and I feel like I have more control over what I'm trying to say and do," he said.
