In the wake of Hollywood legend Gene Hackman’s shocking death alongside his wife, Betsy Arakawa, a longtime friend and former business partner has shared intimate details about the man he affectionately called “Captain Hollywood.”
Hackman, 94, and Betsy, 82, were found dead in their New Mexico home on February 26, along with one of their beloved dogs. Authorities later revealed that Hackman may have passed away as early as February 17, the last date his pacemaker recorded a heartbeat.
A Friend Speaks Out
Their deaths have left friends and family grappling with unanswered questions, including Doug Lanham, 76, a close friend of Hackman’s in Santa Fe.
“He was very private, but once the trust was there, a door opened—and it was magical,” Lanham told DailyMail.com.
Recalling one of their deep conversations, Lanham said Hackman spoke candidly about his painful childhood.
“His early days were not good. His father got in his car, waved at Gene, and even as a young kid, he knew he’d never see him again. His mom later died in a fire,” Lanham shared.
Despite these struggles, Hackman found solace in his friendships, including his bond with Lanham, which began in 2004 over a shared love of food.
A Lasting Business Partnership
Lanham, who founded Jinja, a popular Asian restaurant in Santa Fe, met Hackman at a dinner with a mutual friend. The two hit it off, and Hackman and Betsy later invested in the restaurant.
“They were partners in Jinja for years, but around 2017, I bought them out,” Lanham recalled.
On the day of the Santa Fe County Sheriff’s press conference, Lanham showed up, hoping for answers.
Sheriff Adan Mendoza confirmed that autopsies showed no signs of carbon monoxide poisoning, despite initial suspicions. However, the details of the couple’s passing remain unclear.
“I just can’t process what happened,” Lanham admitted. “We all kind of expected it—he was 94, and he had started to look frail. But to read and hear what took place… I still have a hard time understanding.”
A Love Story That Stood the Test of Time
Lanham insists that there was no indication of suicide, especially given Hackman and Betsy’s deep love for their dogs—one of which was found dead near Betsy.
“If you knew how much they loved those dogs, it wouldn’t make sense,” Lanham said. “Betsy drove a Land Cruiser, and all you’d see were the ears of these huge German Shepherds with beautiful Betsy behind the wheel.”
He recalled the couple’s kindness when his own dog, Louie, passed away.
“They came to the restaurant to say they were sorry and sent a really nice card. People don’t do that. It shows who they are.”
The Mischievous Side of a Hollywood Icon
Despite his serious on-screen presence, Hackman had a playful, mischievous streak.
“He loved pranks,” Lanham said, laughing as he recalled a July 4th party at an exclusive Santa Fe country club.
“The club had set up water troughs for kids with squirt guns. Gene went over, negotiated with an eight-year-old to get a squirt gun, then filled it with red wine. Next thing I know, he’s chasing people around this fancy club, laughing his ass off.”
Another time, Hackman convinced Lanham to go all out with a cowboy outfit for a Western event—then showed up in a regular shirt and hiking boots.
“I go, ‘What the hell?’ and he just started laughing. He said, ‘Where’d you go, the props department for all that?’”
A Reluctant Star Who Never Watched His Own Movies
Lanham revealed a surprising detail about Hackman’s legendary acting career—he never watched his own films.
“He made over 80 movies, but he never saw a single one,” Lanham said.
One of Hackman’s most intense roles was in Mississippi Burning (1988), where he played an FBI agent.
“There’s this scene where Gene grabs a guy in a barber chair, puts a straight razor to his throat, and it looks real. I asked, ‘Gene, how did you do that?’ He said, ‘I don’t know, I’ve never seen it.’”
The Final Years of Captain Hollywood
In his later years, Hackman embraced a quiet life in Santa Fe, New Mexico. He painted, but like his films, he refused to look at his finished work.
“When he painted a mural in my restaurant, he wouldn’t come in to see it,” Lanham said.
The actor also had a running joke about never paying his bets.
“One day, I told him, ‘You owe me $22 in unpaid bets.’”
A week later, Hackman delivered a massive toolbox filled with $400 in pennies.
“There was a note on top, written in pirate language, burned around the edges like an old scroll. He signed it with a skull and crossbones,” Lanham laughed. “That’s my favorite piece of art in the restaurant.”
An Adventurous Spirit Until the End
Hackman’s daring streak wasn’t limited to pranks—he loved flying.
While filming Lucky Lady (1975) with Burt Reynolds, Hackman invited Reynolds up in his stunt plane.
“Gene started flying upside down, doing loops, and Burt only lasted two minutes before he begged to be let out,” Lanham said.
Later, to rub it in, Hackman flew his plane upside down right over the movie set while they were filming.
A Love That Saved Him
Despite his rebellious nature, Hackman credited Betsy with saving his life.
“She was his protector,” Lanham said. “He told me several times, ‘If it wasn’t for Betsy, I’d be broke or dead.’”
Even in private, Betsy strictly protected Hackman’s image, ensuring photographers didn’t snap pictures of him at events.
“She also kept him on a strict healthy diet—but he found ways around it,” Lanham laughed.
“When we played golf, I’d look over, and he’d have this huge honey bun. I asked, ‘First time you got that?’ and he said, ‘No, and don’t tell her either.’”
A Hollywood Legend, A Devoted Husband, A Prankster at Heart
Gene Hackman’s passing marks the end of an era, but those who knew him best will remember him not just as an Oscar-winning actor, but as a fiercely private, mischievous, and deeply loving man.
“They were so tight, so wonderful together,” Lanham said of Hackman and Betsy.
As Hollywood and fans mourn, those closest to him will hold on to the stories, pranks, and the legacy of Captain Hollywood.
