Why Gene Hackman Chose Santa Fe Over Hollywood in His Final Years

Santa Fe, a longtime retreat for artists and celebrities, was shaken this week as Oscar-winning actor Gene Hackman and his wife, Betsy Arakawa, were found dead in their home in the Rocky Mountain foothills.

Hackman, who retired in the early 2000s, had lived a quiet life in Santa Fe, enjoying cycling, painting, and writing novels. Arakawa, a classical musician, was known for her low-profile lifestyle. Their deaths have cast a shadow over the city, which has long been a haven for stars seeking solitude.

Locals remember Hackman as a down-to-earth figure who blended into the community. His passing marks a tragic moment for Santa Fe, a place known for its peaceful charm far from Hollywood’s glare. Authorities have yet to release further details about the couple’s deaths.