Gene Hackman’s Final Years: Novels, Narration and Candid Health Concerns: “I Have the Normal Fear of Passing Away”

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Legendary actor Gene Hackman, famed for portraying characters like Lex Luthor and the role in “The French Connection,” was tragically discovered deceased, joined by his wife Betsy Arakawa and one of their beloved pets, at their residence in Santa Fe, New Mexico.

At the ripe age of 95, I found myself standing among the industry’s most revered creatives, a man who had proudly claimed two Oscars. As the curtain of life began to draw for this legendary figure, he preferred to keep his personal affairs private, leaving much about his health shrouded in mystery. The last glimpse I had of him was on March 28, 2024, a moment captured outside a Santa Fe restaurant, where he was seen holding hands with his wife, Arakawa, who was then 64 years old.

Hackman, who had an illustrious acting career spanning decades, with notable roles in movies like “Unforgiven” (1992), “Bonnie and Clyde” (1967), and “I Never Sang for My Father” (1970), ended his film career in 2004 following his last performance alongside Ray Romano in “Welcome to Mooseport”. At that time, Hackman was 74 years old.

2008 saw the actor pondering his peaceful retirement as he marketed his book. In an interview with Reuters, he shared, “I haven’t publicly declared my retirement, but I can confirm that I won’t be acting anymore… Over the past few years, I was advised not to say this, in case a truly outstanding role comes along, but honestly, I have no desire to act any longer.

In 1990, Hackman had an angioplasty procedure to widen narrowed or blocked arteries and veins. Later, in 2004, he shared with Empire that his heart issues were a concern for him when it came to acting. This prompted him to reconsider his career. As he put it, “The final straw was a stress test I took in New York. The doctor advised me that my heart wasn’t healthy enough to endure any additional strain.

In the same year, during an interview with Larry King, when asked about health concerns, Hackman candidly admitted: “I share the common apprehension about mortality. It’s something we all ponder, especially as we reach a certain age.” Expressing his wish for his wife and family to be well-provided-for in case of his demise, Hackman further stated: “Beyond that, I don’t have many fears.

A few years down the line, during an interview with GQ in 2011, the actor hinted at potential return from retirement, expressing interest if the project could be executed at his home base. However, in 2016 and 2017, he did contribute by lending his voice to two documentaries about the U.S. Marine Corps: “The Unknown Flag Raiser of Iwo Jima” and “We, the Marines.”

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After some time had passed, in a 2011 interview with GQ, the star indicated he might come out of retirement if the project was based at his home. Nonetheless, in 2016 and 2017, he took part by providing narration for two U.S. Marine Corps documentaries: “The Unknown Flag Raiser of Iwo Jima” and “We, the Marines.

In his later years, Hackman showed a strong interest in writing novels. Collaborating with underwater archaeologist Daniel Lenihan, Hackman penned three historical fiction books: “Wake of the Perdido Star” (1999), “Justice for None” (2004), and “Escape from Andersonville” (2008). His debut solo work, “Payback at Morning Peak,” set in the Old West, was published in 2011. His penultimate novel, titled “Pursuit“, a gripping police drama, hit shelves in 2013.

Many heartfelt tributes have been shared since the confirmation of Gene Hackman’s and Akira Arakawa’s passing on Thursday. Notable figures such as Francis Ford Coppola, Viola Davis, Antonio Banderas, and Paul Feig have voiced their shock and sorrow. Coppola, who directed Hackman in the 1974 film “The Conversation“, expressed his feelings on Instagram: “The death of a great artist calls for both mourning and celebration: Gene Hackman was an outstanding actor, inspiring and magnificent in his performances. I grieve his loss, but also celebrate his life and the impact he made.

The Santa Fe County Sheriff’s Office continues to probe into the mysterious deaths of the couple. Initially, it was suggested that foul play might not have been involved, but later on, Sheriff Adan Mendoza clarified to TMZ that all possibilities are still under consideration at this stage. At present, the exact cause of their demise remains undisclosed.

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2025-02-27 18:24