Gene Hackman’s Friends Reflect on His Life and Mysterious Death

SANTA FE, N.M. — Friends and acquaintances of legendary actor Gene Hackman are reflecting on his life and the puzzling circumstances surrounding his recent death. Hackman, 95, and his wife Betsy Arakawa were discovered deceased in their Santa Fe home last Wednesday after reportedly being dead for several days. Authorities have yet to release an official cause of death, leaving many close to the couple searching for answers.

Longtime friend Stuart Ashman shared his sorrow over losing touch with Hackman in recent years, noting that the actor had become more reclusive, especially during the pandemic. "Obviously, he was 95, so he was slowing down," Ashman said. "And after COVID, he was more reclusive, protecting his immune system and everything else." He admitted that the mysterious circumstances of the deaths have left him puzzled but emphasized there was "certainly nothing dark" about Hackman's life.

Hackman’s neighbors, Daniel and Barbara Lenihan, along with their son Aaron, described the late actor as increasingly homebound in recent years. Aaron noted that Betsy Arakawa made efforts to keep Hackman engaged and active, organizing daily puzzles and yoga sessions via Zoom. However, the family observed that Hackman’s health had been visibly declining over the past few months.

Despite his advanced age, Hackman remained impressively fit for much of his life. According to Ashman, Hackman maintained a rigorous Pilates routine, biked regularly, and was often seen exercising outdoors. "He was in great shape," Ashman recalled. "Even at 6'2" and as an ex-Marine, he stayed active well into his older years."

Friends also remembered Hackman as a generous figure in the Santa Fe community. Ashman recounted how Hackman would invest in local businesses simply to support people he believed in, often with no interest in financial gain. "He was a giver, not a taker," Ashman said.

Hackman’s generosity extended to personal gestures as well. Ashman fondly remembered trading cartons of eggs from his small farm for a painting from the actor. "I told him, ‘You can't give me this painting.’ And he said, ‘You've been giving me eggs for months.’ It was one of those moments that just stays with you."

Hackman’s career was marked by iconic roles in films like "The French Connection." Ashman shared a humorous anecdote about the movie’s legendary car chase scene, which involved real-life crashes. Hackman once told him about a man who claimed his life was "saved" when Hackman accidentally crashed into his car during filming. The compensation he received from producers—$20,000—was enough to buy several new cars at the time. "That was Gene—always leaving an impression," Ashman said with a smile.

As questions linger about Hackman and Arakawa’s deaths, those who knew the couple best are holding onto memories of their kindness, humor, and deep bond. "They were real-life partners, incredibly close to each other," Aaron Lenihan said. "They were reserved but full of warmth."

Hackman, an ex-Marine, also shared a connection with Ashman over their military service. "We had great jokes about those days," Ashman said, reflecting on their conversations at Pilates classes. "It was a different era, but we always found things to laugh about."

While the world mourns the loss of one of Hollywood’s most enduring talents, Hackman’s friends are left cherishing the memories of a man who left an indelible mark both on and off the screen.