Gene Hackman: A Life Beyond the Silver Screen in Santa Fe

The world mourned the loss of Gene Hackman, the Oscar-winning actor, at the age of 95, alongside his wife, Betsy Arakawa, 64. Their passing in their Santa Fe estate marked the end of a remarkable life that transcended Hollywood fame and embraced the quiet artistic spirit of the American Southwest.

Hackman, a reluctant movie star, found solace and anonymity in Santa Fe, where he spent the last four decades of his life. He immersed himself in art, literature, and the local community, leaving behind a legacy that extended far beyond his iconic film roles.

From Hollywood Icon to Santa Fe Local

Hackman’s journey began in San Bernardino, California, but his family soon moved to Illinois, where his father abandoned them when Hackman was just 13. After serving in the Marines, he pursued journalism and radio announcing before finding his footing in acting.

Early in his career, success seemed elusive. He and Dustin Hoffman were even voted "least likely to succeed" at the Pasadena Playhouse. However, Hackman’s persistence paid off, and he landed a role in "Bonnie and Clyde," earning his first Academy Award nomination.

The rest is movie history. Hackman amassed a legendary filmography, including "The French Connection" and "Unforgiven," both of which earned him Best Actor Oscars. Yet, he never fully embraced the Hollywood lifestyle.

A Mural and a Friendship: Hackman’s Artistic Side

In Santa Fe, Hackman’s artistic side flourished. He took art classes, painted prolifically, and even gifted many of his works to charity. His business partner, Doug Lanham, recounted the story of a 15-foot-wide empty wall in his Jinja Bar & Bistro. He playfully challenged Hackman to fill it with a mural.

Hackman initially demurred, claiming the space was too large. But after some playful prodding, he accepted the challenge. Three weeks later, he unveiled a spectacular triptych: a vibrant scene of brown-skinned women on a beach, gazing at an ocean liner steaming across a blue-green sea. The mural, a blend of Gauguin and Matisse, became a focal point of the restaurant, a testament to Hackman’s artistic talent.

Hackman also gifted a dozen smaller paintings to the Jinja, none of which were signed or dated. He was as uncomfortable with his paintings as he was with watching his own movies, shying away from the finished products.

"Once the work was done," Lanham said, "it seemed he was satisfied and ready to move on."

Writing and Community: Hackman’s Quiet Pursuits

Hackman’s creative pursuits extended beyond painting. He also delved into writing, penning five novels, including a high-seas adventure co-authored with underwater archaeologist Daniel Lenihan.

He embraced the anonymity Santa Fe offered, becoming a regular in the local community. He played golf with friends and club workers, frequented coffee shops, and engaged in everyday activities without seeking attention.

Santa Fe Mayor Alan Webber described Hackman as "a global superstar and a part of Santa Fe’s local community. He’s a horrible villain and a really decent human being."

Random acts of kindness and the other side

Hackman’s interactions with the community were often marked by both generosity and unexpected outbursts. He was known to slip $100 bills to homeless individuals, but also slapped a man who insulted his wife.

He had a penchant for pranks, once convincing Lanham to dress up in an elaborate cowboy costume for a Fourth of July event where everyone else was in casual attire.

Despite his fame, Hackman cherished his anonymity in Santa Fe. He even recounted an anecdote about being turned down as an extra on a film set by a young assistant director who didn’t recognize him.

A Legacy of Art, Anonymity, and Authenticity

Hackman’s death marked the end of an era for Santa Fe. He was remembered not just as a Hollywood icon, but as a neighbor, an artist, and a man who valued authenticity above all else.

Stephen Jules Rubin, who worked at the Lensic Performing Arts Center, recalled how Hackman and his wife would attend jazz shows, seeking to avoid attention by arriving late. He also recalled a request to not be affiliated with the Santa Fe Film Festival for the sole reason that he wanted to avoid it being about his Hollywood credentials.

Maurice Burns, a Santa Fe artist, shared the story of how Hackman purchased one of his paintings, "Jack’s Place," and hung it in his home next to an Isamu Noguchi sculpture.

"At first, it was intimidating," Burns said. "You see that face and you remember all those heavy roles. But he was nothing like that. He was a shy, sweetheart of a guy."

Hackman’s time in Santa Fe was a testament to his desire to escape the trappings of fame and embrace a simpler, more meaningful life. His legacy lives on in the mural at the Jinja Bar & Bistro, in the paintings he gifted to friends and charities, and in the memories of the people who knew him as a regular guy in a town that cherished his privacy.

In his own words, Hackman sought to "separate the wheat from the chaff, to know what’s important and what wasn’t." He channeled this ethos into his writings, paintings, and acting roles, always striving to play some kind of truth that would resonate with audiences.