Gene Hackman was married to Betsy Arakawa for 34 years before their tragic deaths.
The couple and one of their three dogs were found dead by Santa Fe County police in their Santa Fe, New Mexico, home on Feb. 26, 2025. Hackman was 95 and Arakawa was 63.
Per TMZ, their family believes carbon monoxide poisoning may be to blame. Authorities have labeled their deaths as “suspicious,” however, after finding pills and “no obvious signs of a gas leak.”
The investigation remains ongoing.
The late lovebirds lived a very private life and rarely made public appearances in the years leading up to their deaths.
Keep reading to learn more about the “The French Connection” actor’s wife.
Arakawa was Hackman’s second wife.
The duo tied the knot in 1991 and remained together for the rest of their lives.
The “Heartbreakers” actor was previously married to Faye Maltese from 1956 to 1986.
He and Maltese welcomed three kids during their marriage: son Christopher, and daughters Elizabeth and Leslie.
Arakawa reportedly met Hackman at a gym in the 80s.
She was working part-time at the fitness center when they crossed paths and developed feelings for each other.
While the timeline of their relationship is unclear, Hackman denied that he cheated on his first wife with Arakawa.
“By the way, I did not leave my real-life wife for a younger woman,” he said, according to People. “We just drifted apart. We lost sight of each other. When you work in this business, marriage takes a great deal of work and love.”
Along with her health and fitness background, Arakawa pursued a career as a classically trained pianist.
While she had a passion for music, the capacity in which she performed remains unclear.
Want more celebrity and pop culture news?
Start your day with Page Six Daily.
Thanks for signing up!
Arakawa, who originally hails from Hawaii, lived in Santa Fe with Hackman in a beautiful home.
Their southwestern-style mansion was featured in a 1990 Architectural Digest article.
Arakawa and Hackman completely renovated the home to transform the space. Hackman told the outlet that he was very involved in the makeover as he helped with the demolition and even mixed paints to show workers the exact shade he desired.
When Hackman was away on a film shoot, Arakawa would step in to oversee the revamp.
“Where we live, in Santa Fe, you can lead your own life and not be bothered by the latest gossip,” Hackman reportedly told the Irish Independent.
Arakawa lived her life out of the spotlight — despite being married to a major Hollywood star.
She and her husband were quite reclusive and were not photographed out in public for 21 years until they stepped out for an early dinner on March 28, 2024.
They had dined at Pappadeaux Seafood Kitchen in Albuquerque at the time. The actor and musician appeared to be in good spirits and were seen smiling, though Hackman was spotted using a cane to assist with his walking.
Their last public sighting was at the 2003 Golden Globes, where Hackman received the Cecil B. DeMille Award.