Gene Hackman’s close friend breaks silence after Oscar-winning actor and his wife Betsy Arakawa found dead in their home

He opens up about his unforgettable memories with Gene, sharing a glimpse into the actor’s private world

GENE Hackman’s longtime friend has broken his silence after the two-time Oscar winner and his wife’s shocking deaths.The couple was found dead inside their Santa Fe home on Wednesday, sparking a wave of confusion and speculation among fans and loved ones alike.


Doug Lanham, who met Hackman over 20 years ago and became close friends, described the beloved actor as a “mischievous” soul, fond of practical jokes and an undeniable passion for life.“Gene really was the life of the party,” Lanham, who was also Hackman’s business partner, told the Daily Mail.“He was always ready with a laugh, and his love for Betsy was clear to anyone who knew them.”The couple, who had been together for years, were found in separate rooms of their $3.8 million New Mexico mansion, with one of their dogs also dead in the home.
Hackman’s pacemaker last recorded a heartbeat on February 17, leading authorities to believe that he passed away on that day.But questions still linger as to how both Hackman, 95, and Arakawa, 65, died.Lanham, 76, who founded the popular Santa Fe restaurant Jinja, said he struggled to understand the circumstances of his friends’ deaths.“We’d all kind of expected it, he’s 95, and in some of the pictures towards the end there he was looking frail,” he said.
“But to hear what took place, I still can’t process it. They were so dignified and so in love with each other.”
The former business partner emphasized Hackman’s complex, sometimes self-critical nature.Despite starring in more than 80 films, Lanham revealed that Hackman “never saw a single one” of his own performances.“I think the person doing the creating, maybe they feel like it’s never good enough,” he mused, recalling a chilling moment from Hackman’s role in Mississippi Burning.But Hackman’s true spirit, Lanham said, shone brightest in their everyday moments.He recounted a memorable prank where Hackman, who was known for his playful streak, filled a water pistol with red wine at a high-society event and chased partygoers around.”He thought that was the most fun in the world,” Lanham laughed.
Yet, it was the quiet moments, the sincere gestures of friendship, that Lanham cherished most.He recalled how Hackman and Betsy once showed up at his restaurant to offer condolences after his beloved dog passed away.“People don’t do that. It shows who they are,” Lanham said. “Betsy was his protector. He shared with me several times, if it wasn’t for Betsy, he’d be broke or dead.”

The couple’s devotion to each other was clear to all who knew them. Lanham fondly remembered how Hackman and Betsy got everyone at his wedding to join a conga line, leading it with energy and joy.“Gene was always the one to make sure everyone had a good time,” Lanham said.As the investigation into their deaths continues, Lanham remains certain of one thing – Hackman’s legacy will live on, not only through his iconic films but also through the profound, often playful, but deeply loving person he was.“He was a wonderful artist, but above all, a friend who brought joy to everyone around him,” Lanham said.”We were lucky to know him.”The cause of Gene and Betsy Hackman’s deaths is still under investigation, and officials have said it could take months before answers emerge.