Gene Hackman’s Lifesaver: Wife Betsy’s Devotion Kept Him Alive

by

Gene Hackman and Betsy Arakawa’s loved ones are giving insight into their final years together. 

Following the tragic discovery of the couple deceased in their Santa Fe residence at the end of last month, it was reported that Betsy, 65, succumbed to a viral illness, while Gene, 95, passed away a week later due to Alzheimer’s-related complications. In the days leading up to their demise, family members and close friends have reflected on the unique bond they shared in their final moments.

As a lifestyle expert, I’d like to share a personal story about a close friend of mine. In an article published by The New York Times on March 8, my longtime companion Tim Allin revealed that he believes my life might have ended prematurely without the tireless support of my wife, Betsy. He emphasized her unwavering dedication to my well-being, stating that she was always vigilant in protecting me.

He further highlighted that Betsy was deeply concerned about Gene’s well-being, illustrating this by recounting a time when she diluted his wine with soda water. In simpler terms, he said, “She took excellent care of him.

It’s been reported by others that Betsy managed Gene’s communication and schedule extensively, even setting up social plans for him with friends. Notably, it was mentioned by Tim that Gene did not personally own a cell phone.

Although neighbors praised Betsy for taking care of her husband, some residents in the Santa Fe neighborhood where they lived had worries about the private agreement. A neighbor named Robert Cecil told the New York Times that Gene and Betsy’s seclusion may have been a factor in their deaths going unnoticed for over a week, calling it a “vulnerability.

Approximately a week and a half after Betsy and Gene were discovered deceased in their residences on February 26, together with one of their three pets, a medical expert revealed that Betsy likely passed away from hantavirus – a respiratory disease contracted through contact with rodent droppings – around February 11.

It’s understood that Gene, who friends reported to the New York Times was in a “progressed” stage of Alzheimer’s, probably passed away on February 18th, as his pacemaker detected an unusual heart rhythm, according to authorities. It should be noted that investigators mentioned they couldn’t confirm if Gene was even conscious of his wife’s passing, which occurred a week before his own death.

And Gene’s other friends concurred that the Oscar winner was “slipping” in his final months. 

Daniel Lenihan shared with People on March 1st that Betsy had been attempting to maintain her friend’s activity and engagement levels, even as they awaited the confirmation of their causes of death. In simpler terms, she was making efforts to keep him involved and healthy as much as she could.

Keep reading to see stars who honored Gene and Betsy after their deaths…

It’s deeply saddening to learn about the passing of Gene Hackman along with his wife, Betsy. Gene, an exceptional talent in cinema, breathed life into every character he portrayed with raw emotion, sincerity, and a magnetic screen presence.

In a February 27 Instagram post, the actress from The Royal Tennanbaums shared a photo featuring herself, Luke Wilson, and Gene, on the set of a Wes Anderson film, accompanied by a broken heart symbol.

As a die-hard admirer, I can’t help but echo the sentiments expressed by the legend himself, Gene Hackman. In a heartfelt Instagram post dated February 27th, adorned with an endearing old photograph, I penned down my thoughts: “No one has ever come close to embodying that unique ‘Gene Hackman Type.’ There’s only been one, and that’s Gene Hackman.

In a heart-wrenching declaration, I find myself compelled to share the heartbreaking news: my cherished father, Gene Hackman, along with his beloved wife, Betsy, have departed from us. The daughters he shared with my mother, Faye Maltese, and I—his granddaughter—shared our thoughts with TopMob News in a poignant statement. To the world, he was an admired and gifted actor, but to us, he will forever be simply Dad and Grandpa. We are left reeling from this loss and missing him immeasurably.

The filmmaker behind Megalopolis, known for directing Gene in The Conversation, posted a heartfelt message soon after it was announced that Gene had passed away.

The director expressed on Instagram that the passing of a brilliant artist is both a reason to grieve and rejoice: Gene Hackman was an inspiring and complex actor whose presence and impact will be missed, but whose life’s work will continue to bring joy.

The How To Get Away With Murder actress wrote a touching post directed at the actor himself. 

I adored every aspect of you!” I expressed in a heartfelt Instagram post on February 27th. “The Conversation, The French Connection, The Poseidon Adventure, Unforgiven – your performances were a masterful blend of strength and vulnerability. You were truly one of the greats. May those who cherished you find peace. Farewell, sir, and may your rest be tranquil.

Speaking to USA Today, the actor from The Birdcage shared his thoughts: “Watching him closely made it clear why he’s one of our best. There was no acting to spot – he was genuinely simple, thoughtful, and carried a hint of danger. His brilliance shone equally in comedy and drama, and luckily, his cinematic legacy will endure forever.

He commented, “Sharing the screen with him was an extraordinary honor, and it’s one of my most cherished moments. Farewell, Mr. Hackman.” (Rest in peace is implied)

 

Comedian Hank Azaria, who also starred in The Birdcage alongside Gene, wrote a touching tribute.

I felt privileged and learned so much from working alongside Gene Hackman, as I penned down on X. Mike Nichols, our esteemed director, praised his extraordinary talent in acting, stating that ‘He would infuse just the right amount of the authentic Gene into every role he portrayed.’ Sending my heartfelt sympathies to his loved ones.

The leading actor from “The Last of Us” demonstrated once more Gene’s impact in Hollywood by sharing a vintage picture of him on his Instagram Story, captioning it, “My genuine favorite.

The actor from Smallville, known for his portrayal of Lex Luthor alongside the Superman lead, penned a heartfelt message on Instagram: “To my dearest Lex Luthor and one of the most exceptional actors in history, rest in peace.

On X, the actor from The Mask of Zorro expressed that it was a sorrowful day for the movie industry. Gene Hackman, along with his spouse Betsy Arakawa, has departed this life. My heartfelt sympathies go out to friends, family, and cinema enthusiasts alike.

Today brings sad news, as this esteemed Collateral co-star penned a touching tribute on Instagram. He said, “It’s difficult to find a screen actor better than him, for there simply isn’t one.” In every role he played, he achieved perfection, serving as a tremendous inspiration not just for me but also for countless other actors. His ability to make the craft appear effortless was truly remarkable, showcasing his exceptional artistry.

The Star Trek alum commemorated his old peer with a heartfelt note to X. 

In George’s words, “Gene Hackman had the ability to embody any character, and there was always a sense of a lived life behind it.” He possessed a unique talent, where he could convincingly portray both extraordinary figures and ordinary men. His acting prowess was such that he could be overwhelmingly commanding or just an average Joe. Indeed, he was a formidable actor who will surely be missed. However, the world he created through his performances will continue to live on forever.

Filmmaker Edgar Wright, known for directing movies like “Baby Driver” and “Last Night in Soho,” expressed a heartfelt tribute on X to the late actor, expressing him as “The most extraordinary…

In a heartfelt tribute posted on February 27, the actress from The Princess Bride expressed her sorrow by saying, “We have sadly bid farewell to a genuine icon, the incredible Gene Hackman. His acting prowess was beyond comparison. Watching his movies during my childhood was an exhilarating experience for me.

He continued to emphasize the impact of Gene’s craft.

His ability to shine with both skill and compassion in every character was truly awe-inspiring,” he commented. “No matter which movie he starred in, he elevated it beyond compare. He was an unparalleled natural force, one that can never be replicated. Our sincerest sympathies go out to his family, friends, and fans worldwide. May you continue to exert your influence powerfully, Gene.

Read More

2025-03-10 19:18