More than a month after Gene Hackman and his wife, Betsy Arakawa Hackman, were found dead inside their Santa Fe home, they’ve been laid to rest. People said the family held a private memorial service in Sante Fe. His three children, Chris, Elizabeth, and Leslie Hackman all attended. Investigators believe Betsy died from hantavirus, a rare flu-like virus contracted from rodent droppings. Gene reportedly died a week later from complications of heart disease, high blood pressure, and advanced Alzheimer’s disease. The news of the couple’s deaths shocked Hollywood and those who knew the couple.
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Following the tragic discovery, Gene’s daughters, Elizabeth and Leslie Hackman, and granddaughter, Annie Hackman, released a statement to People, “It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of our father, Gene Hackman, and his wife, Betsy. He was loved and admired by millions around the world for his brilliant acting career. But to us, he was always just Dad and Grandpa. We will miss him sorely and are devastated by the loss.”
Gene Hackman Had An Impressive Career That Betsy Fully Supported
According to his obituary, Gene Hackman’s career took off in 1967 following his Oscar-nominated performance as Buck Barrow in Bonnie and Clyde. He ultimately won two Oscars for The French Connection and Unforgiven. Gene retired from acting in 2004.
“Hackman announced his retirement after his final film, 2004’s “Welcome to Mooseport.” He published his first novel in 1999, “Wake of the Perdido Star,” co-written with Daniel Lenihan, and he continued to write and publish novels after his retirement from acting. On February 26, 2025, Hackman and his wife, Betsy Arakawa, were found dead at their home. No immediate signs of foul play were reported,” the obituary reads.
According to the Violin Channel, Betsy was an accomplished pianist who grew up in Honolulu. Gene and Betsy met in the 1980s and married in 1991. After their marriage, she stepped away from performing and focused her time on supporting her husband and his caregiver.
This story’s featured image is by Donaldson Collection/Michael Ochs Archives/Getty Images.
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