Gene Hackman's Friend Opens Up About Their Close Bond And His Shocking Death

Doug Lanham, a longtime friend of Gene Hackman, has broken his silence, offering insights into the man behind the actor, sharing personal memories and a deep sense of loss.

The death of Hollywood legend Hackman and his wife, Betsy Arakawa, has left many with more questions than answers. The couple was discovered dead in their Santa Fe home on February 26, 2025, and theories surrounding their deaths have quickly surfaced.

Hackman, best known for his Oscar-winning roles in films like "The French Connection" and "Unforgiven," was a deeply private individual who kept his personal life far from the public eye. Lanham, who first met the actor in 2004, recalls a man full of life, humor, and eccentricities.

The 76-year-old Lanham recalled the early days of his friendship with Hackman. Their initial connection was sparked at a dinner party, where Hackman and his wife, Betsy, joined Lanham and his wife at his Santa Fe restaurant, Jinja.

Over time, their bond deepened, and Lanham shared his struggles with Hackman. "He was very private, but once the trust was there, this door opened, and it was magical," Lanham told the Daily Mail.

Hackman confided in Lanham about his difficult childhood, recounting the emotional trauma of being abandoned by his father and losing his mother in a fire.

"His early days were not good," Lanham said. "His father got in his car, waved at Gene. Even at a young age, he knew he wouldn't see him again."

These personal stories gave Lanham a window into the struggles that shaped the man who would later become a Hollywood icon.

Hackman's friendship with Lanham was not just about shared hardships but also filled with humor and mischief.

Lanham fondly remembers Hackman's playful side, particularly his elaborate pranks. One of the most memorable incidents occurred at a fancy event at Las Campanas Country Club.

Hackman used a water gun filled with red wine to surprise unsuspecting guests. "Gene heads over to one of the water buckets... he busts out of there, turns into The Good, the Bad, and the Ugly, and goes, 'You'd better run.'"

This mischievous spirit was a consistent trait in Hackman's personality. He often surprised his friends with his unconventional antics.

At another gathering, Lanham wore cowboy attire, only to find that Hackman had opted for casual clothing, teasing Lanham for his overly prepared outfit.

"Where'd you go, the props department for all that sh-t?" Hackman quipped, adding to the legend of the actor who was as much a character off-screen as he was on-screen.

Hackman's death, along with Betsy's, has sparked numerous theories on the internet. Police initially suggested the possibility of carbon monoxide poisoning but later ruled this out.

According to the Santa Fe County Sheriff's office, an autopsy revealed that Hackman's pacemaker had stopped recording his heartbeat on February 17, 2025, suggesting that he had passed away several days before his body was discovered.

Lanham was devastated by the news of his friend's death but remains adamant that no foul play was involved.

"I just can't process what took place," Lanham shared, his voice trembling. "We'd all kind of expected it, he's 95, and in some of the pictures towards the end there he was looking frail. But to read and hear what took place, I still have a hard time understanding. Because they were so dignified and so in love with each other."

Given Hackman and Arakawa's deep affection for each other and their beloved dogs, whom they considered family, Lanham finds it hard to believe that either of them would have intentionally harmed themselves.

"If you knew the love they had for those doggies, they were a huge part of their life," he said.

Hackman was known for his powerful performances in classic films throughout his illustrious career. Yet those closest to him remember him for his playful nature and the deep love he shared with his wife.

Lanham recalls when Hackman flew Burt Reynolds in his stunt plane while filming "Lucky Lady," where Hackman’s high-flying stunts left Reynolds visibly shaken.

"Burt didn't last too long. Gene was flying upside down, doing some loops," Lanham said, chuckling.

Beyond the pranks and laughter, Lanham says Hackman's greatest legacy is his profound impact on those lucky enough to know him.

"Gene was the life of the party," Lanham recalled. "At my wedding, I look up and see Gene and Betsy getting a conga line going with 20 of the guests... he was leading the whole thing, smiling, hollering and having an incredible time."

Gene Hackman and Betsy Arakawa's relationship was one of deep love and mutual respect, something Lanham witnessed firsthand.

Arakawa was fiercely protective of her husband, always looking out for his well-being. This protection extended to keeping photographers at bay at private events.

"She was very protective," Lanham said, noting how she kept Hackman on a healthy diet despite his occasional rebellions.

"He always ate healthy with her. But then we'd go out and play golf, I'd look over and he'd have this f-cking honey bun that was a foot long. It was huge."

Their bond was unshakeable, and Arakawa's strength and care kept Hackman grounded. "If it wasn't for Betsy, Gene would've been broke or dead," Lanham reflected, highlighting her pivotal role in his friend’s life.

As the investigation into Hackman and Arakawa's deaths continues, Lanham's memories serve as a testament to the couple's enduring love and the warmth they brought to those around them.