Gene Hackman and his wife Betsy Arakawa tragically passed away in February and a friend of the couple has now opened up about their marriage – and who really “ran things”
A close friend of Gene Hackman and Betsy Arakawa has shed light on the true nature of the Hollywood couple’s marriage.
The pair, known for their private lifestyle, spent their final years together in their Santa Fe residence before their heartbreaking passing in February this year.
A recent press conference held on Friday (March 7) revealed a significant update from police and medical professionals, suggesting that it was “quite possible that he was not aware that she was deceased.”
Medical experts have indicated that Gene exhibited signs of advanced Alzheimer’s disease and may have been unable to survive without his wife’s care.
Speaking to the New York Times, long-time friend Tom Allin described the couple as content, with Betsy taking charge of managing Gene’s medical appointments and maintaining his health. He stated that the actor seemed pleased to let his wife take control while she ensured his health and fitness were prioritised.
“She was very protective of him,” Tom added, asserting that without Betsy’s care, Gene would have passed away much earlier. “She just really looked after him,” he further shared, revealing that the accomplished pianist even diluted his wine with soda water at his 90th birthday celebration, reports the Daily Star.
Daniel Lenihan, alongside his wife Barbara, who had been friends with the couple, reminisced: “Last time we saw them, they were alive and well. They were so delightful to be around. Probably never seen a couple that got along and enjoyed each other so much.”
According to Daniel, Betsy was always on hand to make sure Gene stayed active, insisting on yoga sessions and light exercises for her husband’s wellbeing. Daniel praised Betsy’s dedication, saying: “Betsy was a wonderful wife. They were very close, and she was a good cook and really, really took good care of him. They ate very well. He had had a triple bypass, maybe around 60 [years old], and he’d been in really good health since then, and I’m sure she was one of those factors.”