Gene Hackman and Betsy Arakawa lived a peaceful, private life in New Mexico before their deaths, friends say - CNN

Gene Hackman, acclaimed actor and his wife, Betsy Arakawa, lived a life that many can only dream of - one filled with peace, privacy, adventure, and art. Known for their low-profile, the couple spent their golden years in the scenic beauty of New Mexico, a haven away from the glaring lights of Hollywood. Friends of the couple fondly remember their genuine love for each other, a bond that remained strong until their untimely and unexpected deaths. Their story serves as a rare testament to a life well-lived beyond the confines of fame and fortune.

Gene Hackman and Betsy Arakawa found tranquillity in the quiet charm of Santa Fe, New Mexico. Away from the glare of Hollywood, the couple retreated to a life filled with simpler pleasures and profound contentment. Nestled amidst the Sangre de Cristo foothills, their adobe-style home was a testament to their love for southwestern aesthetics and privacy. Friends recall how the couple would often be seen exploring the city's rich cultural tapestry, its art galleries, and historic sites, blending seamlessly into the local community.

They were known to regularly frequent Santa Fe's Opera House, a venue renowned for its innovative productions and idyllic open-air setting. Their love for art was not confined to appreciating others' works; Hackman, in particular, pursued painting and writing, publishing several novels during his retirement years. Arakawa, on the other hand, co-owned a home furnishings store, 'Pandora's', where she applied her discerning artistic eye.

Despite their fame, Hackman and Arakawa were always approachable and humble, becoming integral parts of the Santa Fe community. They were often spotted at local coffee shops, engaged in lively conversations with townsfolk. The couple's down-to-earth demeanor allowed them to live a peaceful, unassuming life, far removed from the glitz and glamour of Hollywood.

Their shared love for nature and adventure led them to explore New Mexico's scenic landscapes. Friends recall the couple's camping trips and hiking adventures in the state's national parks. These experiences, they say, brought Hackman and Arakawa immense joy and further cemented their bond. Their peaceful and private life in New Mexico was a testament to their shared values and mutual respect, friends fondly remember.

While Hackman's fame was well-established due to his illustrious acting career, Arakawa was known for her successful ventures in the world of interior design. She owned a high-end home furnishings store in Santa Fe, where she welcomed customers with her innate warmth and style. The couple's home was a testament to Arakawa's eye for beauty, filled with tastefully chosen elements that reflected both their shared love of art and their individual personalities.

Despite their success in their respective fields, Hackman and Arakawa were far from the stereotypical Hollywood couple. They were known to shun the spotlight and preferred to live a quiet life away from the public eye. Friends recall their humble nature, stating that they never let their fame or success affect their relationships. They were, as one friend put it, "just regular folks," who enjoyed the simple pleasures of life in their New Mexico home.

They were also avid adventurers, frequently exploring the natural beauty of New Mexico. Whether it was hiking in the Sangre de Cristo mountains, biking along the Pecos river, or simply enjoying the vibrant Santa Fe art scene, the couple made the most of their life away from Hollywood. Hackman, an avid cyclist, often led the way on their outdoor exploits.

Their love for each other and their shared passion for art, nature, and adventure painted a picture of a life well-lived, filled with simple joys and a deep respect for each other. As their friends remember, Hackman and Arakawa's life together was a testament to the fact that true happiness lies in the quiet, shared moments, far away from the glitz and glamour of the public eye.

Gene Hackman and Betsy Arakawa made New Mexico their home for over two decades, choosing a life of tranquility away from the glaring spotlight of Hollywood. Friends say they were very much a part of the local community, often seen at local events, art exhibitions, and farmers markets. They supported local businesses and artists, contributing to the vibrant cultural scene of Santa Fe.

According to Dr. Melanie Walker, a sociologist specializing in celebrity studies at the University of New Mexico, "Gene and Betsy were atypical celebrities. They didn't seek out attention, but rather chose to live a quiet, normal life. They were well-loved by their community because they were genuine and down-to-earth. They were more interested in being good neighbors than being famous."

The couple also had a deep love for the natural beauty of New Mexico. They were often spotted hiking in the surrounding mountains and deserts, exploring the land they called home. Their love for nature was evident in their art collection, which featured numerous works inspired by the Southwestern landscapes.

Despite their fame, the couple managed to maintain their privacy, a feat that's quite uncommon in the celebrity world. "They were able to achieve a balance that is rare in the entertainment industry. They enjoyed their fame, but also valued their privacy. It's a testament to their strength as a couple," added Dr. Walker.

In the quiet serenity of New Mexico, Gene Hackman and Betsy Arakawa found their sanctuary. They chose to step away from the limelight, living a life marked by a deep love for each other, a passion for art, and a thirst for adventure. Their friends recall a couple who were content and fulfilled, wrapped up in their own world and each other.

While their deaths were unexpected, those who knew them best take solace in the knowledge that they lived their lives to the fullest, on their own terms. They will be remembered not just for their professional achievements, but for the life they built together in the high deserts of New Mexico. Their story serves as a reminder that success and happiness are not solely found in fame and fortune, but in the quiet, shared moments of life.

Source: https://www.cnn.com/2025/03/02/us/gene-hackman-betsy-arakawa-santa-fe/index.html