A close friend of legendary actor Gene Hackman reveals concerning changes in the Oscar winner's behavior and lifestyle during his last years in Santa Fe, New Mexico.
According to Fox News, Stuart Ashman, a longtime friend of Hackman, shared that the 95-year-old actor had become increasingly reclusive and was "slowing down" in the period leading up to his death, particularly after the COVID-19 pandemic.
The bodies of Hackman and his wife, Betsy Arakawa, were discovered in their Santa Fe home last Wednesday, with authorities confirming that the couple had been deceased for several days before being found. The investigation into their deaths continues as officials have not yet released information about the cause.
The actor's withdrawal from public life became more pronounced in recent years, with multiple friends noting significant changes in his daily routine. Daniel and Barbara Lenihan, along with their son Aaron, observed that Hackman had become essentially homebound during his final months.
Arakawa maintained a protective stance regarding her husband's health, particularly concerning COVID-19 exposure. She consistently wore masks during public outings and worked to keep Hackman engaged through various activities.
The couple's dedication to maintaining Hackman's well-being included daily yoga sessions via Zoom and puzzle-solving activities, though friends noted his declining condition in recent months.
Before his health declined, Hackman was known for his impressive physical fitness routine and community involvement. Ashman shared details about the actor's dedication to exercise, including regular Pilates sessions and bicycle rides.
Stuart Ashman told Fox News Digital about Hackman's earlier fitness regimen:
Obviously, he was 95, so he was slowing down. And after COVID, he was more reclusive protecting his immune system and everything else.
Beyond physical activities, Hackman actively participated in local business ventures, often investing in community members' enterprises more out of generosity than profit motivation.
The friendship between Ashman and Hackman developed through shared interests and regular interactions at their local Pilates studio. Their conversations often centered around their military service experiences and various aspects of their lives.
Ashman recalled a particularly touching exchange when Hackman gifted him a painting in return for regular egg deliveries from Ashman's farm, creating a lasting memory of their friendship.
The Lenihan family remembered the couple's relationship dynamic fondly, noting:
They seemed like real life partners, really, really close to each other, and they were both incredibly kind. And they were reserved, but they were real [and] a lot of fun.
Gene Hackman and Betsy Arakawa's unexpected deaths have left their community grappling with unanswered questions. The renowned actor and his wife were discovered deceased in their Santa Fe estate, with authorities confirming that multiple days had passed before their bodies were found. Friends and investigators continue to piece together the circumstances surrounding their deaths, while the entertainment industry and local community mourn the loss of the beloved couple who had chosen to live a quiet life away from Hollywood's spotlight.
