Gene Hackman’s health battles and real reason for escaping spotlight as he dies aged 95

Gene Hackman, a 95-year-old Hollywood star, had health issues prior to passing away.

The Hollywood star’s body was discovered earlier this week. No foul play is suspected in their passing, according to Santa Fe County Sheriff Adan Mendoza, who said they have not yet provided a cause of death or confirmation that the couple had died.

A further statement from the Santa Fe County Sheriff’s Office read: “On February 26, 2025 at approximately 1: 45 p. m., Santa Fe County Sheriff’s deputies were dispatched to an address on Old Sunset Trail in Hyde Park where Gene Hackman, 95 and his wife Betsy Arakawa, 64 and a dog were found deceased. At this time, foul play is not suspected to be a factor in those deaths, but the cause of death has not been determined. The Santa Fe County Sheriff’s Office is conducting an ongoing and active investigation.

Gene explained that Gene’s decision to retire was purely for health reasons after revealing that a doctor had advised him to take a step back in his career. He also explained that he had been struggling with his health throughout.

*The Mirror’s live blog has live updates about Gene Hackman’s tragic double death.

In 2009, he told Empire: “The straw that broke the camel’s back was actually a stress test that I took in New York. My heart wasn’t in the shape I should be putting it in, according to the doctor’s advice.

A few years prior, he mentioned having his angioplasty, which allows for more blood flow, in a separate interview with CNN’s Larry King.

“I did, 12, 14 years ago, I had severe angina. So they did angioplasty”, he said, “I try to take care of myself. I don’t have a lot of fears. I’m a typical victim of a passing fright. I suppose we all consider that, especially when you reach a certain age, you know. My wife and my family should be looked after by me. Other than that, I don’t have a lot of fears”.

Gene is survived by his three children – Christopher, Leslie and Elizabeth. He said in 1984, “No, we still hug to this day, and I thank God that we are able to do that,” referring to his emotional connection with his eldest son. I don’t believe there will ever be a time when we have to shake hands. One of the coldest things one can do is not be aware of and be insensitive to the need for a child to be wrapped in a father’s arms, which was a real stretch for me in the movie.

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Source: Mirror