LEGENDARY actor Gene Hackman was put on a “strict” lean diet by his pianist wife before he passed away in his sprawling New Mexico home.
Cops in Santa Fe revealed the star, 95, was found dead alongside wife Betsy Arakawa, 65, and their dog in their plush $3.8 million mansion.
Authorities now believe the couple may have been dead for weeks before their bodies were discovered, with one of them showing signs of “mummification”.
A close pal of the Oscar-winning star has now revealed that his wife put him on a “strict” health regime.
Doug Lanham, a close friend and former business partner, told TMZ that a health-conscious Betsy made sure Gene was “eating right” and was always following a lean diet plan.
He added: “Betsy took it so seriously, Doug says Gene was only able to sneak a cheat meal when they were out golfing.”
Mr Lanham said that Gene used to visit Jinja Bar & Bistro – a restaurant he once owned – to have a meal.
However, he only ordered halibut or rice-paper salmon rather than a big steak because of the strict diet Betsy had put him on, according to the longtime friend.
Hackman was last seen publicly with Betsy in March 2024 at a restaurant in Santa Fe.
He appeared frail as he used a cane and grabbed onto his wife’s arm for support when walking.
The couple were on a dinner date in Santa Fe, New Mexico, heading into Pappadeaux’s restaurant.
The Hollywood legend had celebrated his 94th birthday just weeks before his last pictures were taken.
Earlier in the day, the couple were also seen visiting a local Speedway store, where Gene bought a cup of coffee and an apple pie.
Mystery still surrounds the shock deaths as the pair were found in separate rooms and one of their dogs was dead while the others miraculously survived, Sheriff Adan Mendoza said.
Gene’s haunting comments on his ‘fear of passing away’ before being found dead
A heartbreaking 911 audio captured the moment a caretaker discovered the bodies of Gene and Betsy on Wednesday afternoon.
Deputies rushed to the couple’s mansion at around Wednesday afternoon and saw both of their bodies, which had been dead for some time.
Cops have now labelled their deaths “suspicious” because the door to their home was found open but there was no sign of forced entry, according to the affidavit.
A Santa Fe detective reportedly said a dead woman, believed to be Betsy, was found in a state of decomposition.
Cops said she was found near a prescription bottle “opened with pills scattered on the counter-top” and “no obvious signs of a gas leak”.
This investigator added Gene was found fully clothed, with his sunglasses next to his body, in a wet room, suggesting he could have fallen suddenly.
Officials have warned that any official update on the cause of Hackman’s tragic death may still take a painfully long time to emerge.
It is believed to have taken an agonising 12 hours to formally identify the couple, with their deaths only being confirmed Thursday morning.
It comes as…
Police have said they don’t suspect any foul play was at hand but have been unable to provide any official answers as of yet.
Investigators said they did not find a suicide note and there were no blatant signs of trauma to their bodies.
A new theory suggests Gene could have suffered a sudden collapse that might have led to his tragic death.
Chris Ramirez, spokesperson for the New Mexico medical investigator’s office, told The Sun confirmation from the medical examiner’s office could still take anywhere between four to six weeks.
But the legendary actor’s daughter, Elizabeth Jean Hackman, told TMZ they believe the couple may have died from toxic fumes which caused carbon monoxide poisoning.
Although authorities have rejected the claim, saying no traces of carbon monoxide were found inside the house.
In a statement, Gene Hackman’s family said: “It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of our father, Gene Hackman and his wife, Betsy.
“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.
“Elizabeth, Leslie and Annie Hackman.”
Heartbroken daughters Elizabeth and Leslie were seen grabbing breakfast together at a Denny’s restaurant on Thursday morning.
Youngest daughter Leslie revealed she hadn’t spoken to her dad in the months before his tragic death.
HEARTFELT TRIBUTES
Floods of messages from fellow Hollywood stars and even royalty have poured in to remember the acting legend and his special career.
Prince William said he was “so sad” to hear the heartbreaking news about Gene and his wife.
The future king said: “Hackman was a true genius of film who brought each and every character to life with power, authenticity and star quality.”
American actor George Takei said Gene’s work “will live on forever”.
Takei said: “We have lost one of the true giants of the screen. Gene Hackman could play anyone, and you could feel a whole life behind it.
“He could be everyone and no one, a towering presence or an everyday Joe. That’s how powerful an actor he was.”
The great filmmaker Francis Ford Coppola, who worked with Gene in the 1974 film The Conversation, remembered him as a “great actor”.
Coppola said: “The loss of a great artist, always cause for both mourning and celebration: Gene Hackman a great actor, inspiring and magnificent in his work and complexity.
“I mourn his loss, and celebrate his existence and contribution.”
Gene’s Superman co-star Valerie Perrine called the actor a “great”.
Perrine said: “He was a genius and one of the greatest to grace the silver screen. I had the honour of working with him on Superman.”
Fellow Hollywood star Antonio Banderas also left a touching tribute this afternoon.
Banderas, who starred alongside Hackman in 1995 film Desperado, said on X: “A very sad day for the cinema’s family.
“My deepest condolences to friends, family and cinema lovers.”
A STELLAR CAREER
Hackman’s breakout moment was in Bonnie and Clyde in 1967, where he played Buck Barrow.
But, he was known for starring in Superman movies, and hit films like Mississippi Burning and Unforgiven.
He played the supervillain Lex Luthor in Superman, Superman II, and Superman IV: The Quest for Peace.
Hackman also starred in the hit movies Runaway Jury, The French Connection, The Royal Tenenbaums, Unforgiven, and The Conversation.
In 1972, he scooped the Best Actor gong for his role as Jimmy “Popeye” Doyle in The French Connection.
He appeared in the movie’s sequel in 1975.
In 1993, Hackman won the Best Supporting Actor award for his role in the western flick Unforgiven.
Hackman played Little Bill Daggett in the film that also starred Clint Eastwood, Morgan Freeman, and Anna Thomson.
Unforgiven scooped four Oscars, including Best Picture.
Hackman appeared in four westerns during the 1990s. The others were: Geronimo: An American Legend, Wyatt Earp, and The Quick and the Dead.
But, he also appeared on stage. Hackman’s last Broadway appearance came in 1992 when he played Roberto Miranda in the play Death and the Maiden.
When he quit acting, it was feared that the decision was linked to stress.
He admitted he struggled to balance family life with the glitz and glamour of Hollywood.
Hackman wasn’t just a film star; he starred in TV series such as Brenner and The F.B.I.
But after his final role, he left the bright lights of Hollywood and moved to New Mexico.
He was rarely spotted and liked to enjoy Wendy’s drive-thru meals.
In his later years, he suffered from minor health problems.
In 2012, Hackman was struck by a car when riding his bike.
He was rushed to a Miami hospital with serious injuries.
“Gene’s fine,” his agent Susan Madore said at the time as she downplayed any fears.
“Just a few bumps and bruises.”
The incident happened eight years after his final movie role.
And, it was just weeks before he turned 82.
