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Gene Hackman Death: 911 Call & Autopsy Findings Released
More insight into Gene Hackman's final days is being revealed.
After the acting legend, 95, his wife Betsy Arakawa, 65, and one of their three dogs were found dead in their New Mexico home, his longtime family friends Daniel Lenihan and Barbara Lenihan, as well as their son Aaron Lenihan, spoke out on his declining health leading up to the tragedy.
For Barbara and Daniel—who reportedly knew Gene for over 30 years—it was apparent that the French Connection star was "really slipping" during the "last couple months" that he was alive.
In fact, Daniel told People in an interview published March 1 that Gene was "essentially kind of homebound" during that time, while his wife noted in the joint conversation that the actor had "quit riding his bike through the neighborhood."
And Aaron echoed his parents' sentiments, adding that Betsy had been trying to improve Gene's health by incorporating puzzles and yoga into their daily routine.
“Betsy tried to keep him kind of active and engaged,” he explained to People. “She was still trying to keep him as active and engaged and healthy as possible."
Additionally, Aaron recalled that Arakawa was taking precautions to avoid getting Hackman infected with COVID-19, remembering that "she'd always wear a mask when we'd see her out."
While Gene's health may not have been in the best place before his passing, the Lenihan family insisted that his relationship with Betsy remained solid.
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“They were one of the tightest couples I've seen," Aaron said of the pair. “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 and Betsy were found dead in separate rooms of their Santa Fe, N.M., home on Feb. 26. Based on the last recorded "event" on Gene's pacemaker, Santa Fe County Sheriff Adam Mendoza said that the actor likely passed away over a week prior, on Feb. 17. However, authorities are still determining whether he or Arakawa died first, as well as the causes of their passing.
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“We understand that is a challenge because they were very private individuals and a private family," the sheriff told Today in a Feb. 28 interview. "We're trying to put all that information together right now.”
In the wake of the tragedy, the Lenihan family have been just a few of Gene's friends, costars and admirers who have paid tribute to his legacy.
“Gene always said, ‘I don't think about legacy. I just hope people remember me as someone who tried to do good work,’” Morgan Freeman said while honoring the Birdcage star during the 2025 Oscars ceremony on March 2. “So I think I speak for us all when I say, Gene, you will be remembered for that and for so much more. Rest in peace, my friend.”
To see more stars' reactions to Gene and Betsy's untimely passing, keep reading.
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Prince William & Kate Middleton
"So sad to hear the news of the death of Gene Hackman and his wife Betsy," the couple wrote on their joint X account. "Hackman was a true genius of film who brought each and every character to life with power, authenticity and star quality."
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Gwyneth Paltrow
The Royal Tennanbaums actress shared a photo of herself, Luke Wilson and Gene on the set of the Wes Anderson film alongside a broken heart emoji in a Feb. 27 Instagram post.
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Tom Hanks
The Cast Away star also kept his tribute short and sweet, writing in a Feb. 27 Instagram post alongside an old photo of the star, “There has never been a ‘Gene Hackman Type.’ There has only been Gene Hackman.”
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Elizabeth Hackman, Leslie Hackman & Annie Hackman
"It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of our father, Gene Hackman and his wife, Betsy," the actor's daughters—whom he shares with ex Faye Maltese—and grandaughter wrote in a statement shared with E! News. "He was loved and admired by millions around the world for his brilliant acting career, but to us he was always just Dad and Grandpa. We will miss him sorely and are devastated by the loss."
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Francis Ford Coppola
The Megalopolis director, who directed Gene in The Conversation, shared a touching tribute shortly after news of Gene’s death broke.
“The loss of a great artist, always cause for both mourning and celebration,” the director wrote on Instagram Feb. 27, alongside a photo of the pair. “Gene Hackman a great actor, inspiring and magnificent in his work and complexity, I mourn his loss, and celebrate his existence and contribution.”
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Viola Davis
The How To Get Away With Murder actress wrote a touching post directed at the actor himself.
“Loved you in everything!” Viola wrote in a Feb. 27 Instagram post. “The Conversation, The French Connection, The Poseidon Adventure, Unforgiven—tough yet vulnerable. You were one of the greats. God bless those who loved you. Rest well, sir.”
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Nathan Lane
“Getting to watch him up close it was easy to see why he was one of our greatest,” The Birdcage star told USA Today in a statement. "You could never catch him acting. Simple and true, thoughtful and soulful, with just a hint of danger. He was as brilliant in comedy as he was in drama and thankfully his film legacy will live on forever.”
He added, “It was a tremendous privilege to get to share the screen with him and remains one of my fondest memories. Rest in peace, Mr. Hackman.”
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Hank Azaria
Comedian Hank Azaria, who also starred in The Birdcage alongside Gene, wrote a touching tribute.
“It was an honor and an education working with Gene Hackman,” he wrote on X, adding a few kind words from the film’s director, “Mike Nichols said of his genius character acting: ‘He always brought just enough of a different part of the real gene to each role he played.’ Sending all my love to his family & friends.”
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Pedro Pascal
The Last of Us star proved Gene’s continued influence on Hollywood, sharing an old photo of the star on his Instagram Story, writing, “My actual favorite.”
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Michael Rosenbaum
The Smallville actor, who shared the part of Lex Luthor with the Superman star, wrote to Instagram, “To my favorite Lex Luthor and one of the all time greatest actors ever! RIP.”
Lawrence JC Baron
Antonio Banderas
The Mask of Zorro star wrote in a post on X, “A very sad day for the cinema’s family. Gene Hackman and his wife Betsy Arakawa have passed away. My deepest condolences to friends, family and cinema lovers.”
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John Simm
“Sad news today,” the Collateral star wrote in a tribute on Instagram. “You’d be hard pressed to name a better screen actor than this man. Because there isn’t one. Perfection in every single role he played, a huge inspiration for me and for generations of actors. And he could do it all. He made the craft look effortless. A true artist.”
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George Takei
The Star Trek alum commemorated his old peer with a heartfelt note to X.
“Gene Hackman could play anyone, and you could feel a whole life behind it,” George wrote. “He could be everyone and no one, a towering presence or an everyday Joe. That’s how powerful an actor he was. He will be missed, but his world will live on forever.”
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Edgar Wright
Edgar Wright—who directed Baby Driver and Last Night in Soho—shared a tribute to the late actor on X, writing, “The greatest…”
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Cary Elwes
“We have lost a true legend,” the Princess Bride star wrote in a Feb. 27 Instagram post. “The magnificent Gene Hackman has passed away. A man whose breadth of talent was immeasurable. Growing up on his movies was an absolute thrill for me."
He continued to emphasize the impact of Gene's craft.
"To observe his remarkable facility and humanity in every role was something to behold," he added. "Whatever film he was in, he made it better. A force of nature like no other and as such there will never be another like him. Our deepest condolences to his family, friends and fans all over the world. Rest in absolute power, Gene.”
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