Gene Hackman Turns 93 | He Dedicates His Writing Career to Wife of 22 Years After Retiring From Acting

Gene Hackman is 93 now. At this stage of his life, he has a career that speaks for him. As GQ magazine once wrote about the actor, "he may be, more precisely, an enigma-man. A silent man who speaks through his characters. He's a curious mix. "

Hackman is known for his roles in Hoosier, The French Connection, and Unforgiven. But he worked his way up to success and fame.

Hackman was raised in Illinois, born to a waitress and a pressman for the local newspaper. His father abandoned the family when he was thirteen, but one day Hackman saw his father on the street as his father waved at him. Talking about the incident, Hackman said, "I hadn't realized how much one small gesture can mean. Maybe that's why I became an actor."

He began his career after studying at the Pasadena Playhouse in California. Here, he met Dusty Hoffman. Both went to New York and auditioned for several roles. Hackman got his big break in 1967 when he starred in Bonnie and Clyde. His career grew exponentially after he starred in the film, and he became a huge success. 

By 2004, Hackman was seen in his last movie, Welcome to Mooseport, as now he preferred to split his time between painting and writing. He retired after that film and has never looked back.

He met his second wife, Betsy Arakawa, in the 1980s and the pair has a 31-year age difference. Arakawa is a classical pianist. The pair met while working out in Los Angeles. Arakawa was working at the fitness center part-time. The pair flirted for a while but officially began dating in 1984.

Hackman has three children, Leslie Anne, Elizabeth Jean, and Christopher Allen from his first marriage. Hackman and Arakawa do not share any children; however, she has a good relationship with her stepchildren.

As per Closer Weekly, Hackman said about having three children from his first marriage, "He wishes he'd been around more for his children, but now he's close with them and their kids." He admitted that his work required him to stay away from his family for a long time. 

Although he is a reserved person, Hackman protected his wife in 2012 when he defended her against a homeless man. The couple was leaving a Santa Fe restaurant one day when a homeless man approached them. Reports said that the incident quickly escalated as the man threatened the couple.

The man, Bruce Becker, swore at Arakawa, and Hackman slapped him for it. Becker then reported the incident to the police, but after talking to Hackman and Arakawa, it was revealed Hackman acted in self-defense.

In 2008, Hackman mentioned that retirement agreed with him. Talking about how he retired and his feelings on retirement, he said: "I haven't held a press conference to announce my retirement, but yes, I'm not going to act any longer. I miss the actual acting part of it, as it's what I did for almost 60 years, and I really loved that. But the business for me is very stressful."

Now they live a life of solitude, away from the hustle and bustle of Hollywood. He became a writer and began releasing books after he married his wife. He said he wouldn't have been able to write and release his books without his wife and he even added a dedication to her in one of them. 

He is enjoying life with his loved ones and also living a peaceful and creative life.

References:

https://www.gq.com/story/gene-hackman-gq-june-2011-interview

https://www.closerweekly.com/posts/gene-hackmans-wife-get-to-know-betsy-arakawa/

Cover Image Source: Getty Images | Kevin Winter