The Love Story of Gene Hackman and Betsy Arakawa: Flying Through Life Together
Gene Hackman and his wife, Betsy Arakawa, were an incredibly close couple, and even shared the hobby of flying.
Andy Wells, a retired military pilot and flight instructor, first met the couple back in 1987.
When it comes to Gene Hackman and Betsy Arakawa, their shared passion for aviation painted a vivid picture of companionship and adventure. Wells recalled their initial meetings, highlighting how Arakawa sought flying lessons, partly as a safeguard for emergencies. In life, as in flying, preparation often makes all the difference.
“Then he told me that he and Betsy had decided that Betsy would get what we called a pinch hitter course,” Wells shared, delving into the world of aviation education. This course offered a practical understanding of flying, allowing someone to take over if the situation became dire. Gene, with his extensive piloting experience and fervor for aircraft, was thrilled to have his partner join him in the skies.
In a 1990 interview with the Los Angeles Times, Hackman discussed his own journey into aerobatics, declaring he had enjoyed the thrill for over twelve years. “I just bought an Eagle, a two-seater plane. I wish I could fly more, but I can’t when I’m in a picture because of insurance. You can’t be a weekend acrobatic pilot… otherwise you will be an ex-acrobatic pilot,” he remarked, a mix of humor and realism flashing through his words.
It was evident that the thrill of flight was not merely a pastime for Hackman. He was drawn to aircraft with an intensity that mirrored his zest for life. “He just couldn’t wait to get in that airplane and start the engine. He loved airplanes. He loved flying,” Wells noted, revealing a glimpse into Hackman’s enthusiasm.
But what about Betsy? According to Wells, she, too, radiated a distinct passion for learning to fly. “It was great. She was so focused,” he noted, reflecting on her determination and charm. “She was so sweet and beautiful and smart.” It’s rare to find such harmony between two people, a synergy rooted in shared interests and mutual support.
Wells, a musician himself, expressed his admiration for Arakawa not only as a dedicated student but also as a skilled pianist. “I have a baby grand, and she played my piano like I’d never heard it played before. And it was absolutely awe-inspiring,” he said, further underscoring the couple’s richness in talent and artistry.
As Betsy completed her pinch hitter course with diligence—a rare feat for many embarking on such a venture—two souls found a way to blend their lives together, both in flight and in every day. Post-lessons, Wells would often spot them around town. “I would bump into him around town, and eventually I think he joined the El Gancho swim and tennis club,” he recalled, reminiscing about the joy of shared activities.
“The two of them were joined at the hip practically. So, if he became reclusive, I think she did, too.”
Wells remembered Hackman’s competitive spirit in tennis, describing how he would hit the ball with great vigor, often “knocking the fuzz off it every time.” Even in something as leisurely as tennis, Hackman approached challenges with an unmistakable energy that turned moments into cherished memories.
They often gathered for companionship over cookies and juice, with Hackman opting for water rather than alcohol. These humble yet intimate encounters echoed the depth of their relationship. As time passed, Wells observed, “As Hackman aged, he became reclusive,” slowly disappearing from the limelight, accompanied by the quiet presence of Betsy. They seemed inseparable, as if tethered by the very love that first ignited their journey.
Tragically, the world learned on February 26 that both Hackman, at 95, and Arakawa, at 65, had been found deceased in their home. The circumstances surrounding their deaths prompted a “suspicious” investigation by the Santa Fe County Sheriff’s Department, raising ethical questions and evoking sorrow from a community that had admired them both. Their bodies were believed to have been there for over a week, leaving many grappling with the weight of such unexpected loss.
In life and in death, Gene Hackman and Betsy Arakawa reminded us that love is often an enthralling flight through the unpredictable skies, filled with shared passions, laughter, and resounding dedication. Even in their silence, the echoes of their lives together reverberate. This poignant tale of connection now serves as a heartfelt tribute, celebrating the extraordinary journey they took together and the legacy they leave behind.
