Gene Hackman, 94, Appeared to Be in ‘Good Shape’ During Rare Outing With Wife Betsy Arakawa

Screen legend Gene Hackman has come out of hiding. The 94-year-old French Connection star hadn’t been photographed in nearly five years but was recently spotted out and about in his adopted hometown of Santa Fe, New Mexico, twice in a matter of days.

A surprisingly spry Hackman was first snapped with musician wife Betsy Arakawa at a restaurant. He was carrying a cane, but eyewitnesses say he seemed alert and happy.

“He looked a little grizzled, but in good shape,” says one source.

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Before that, he and his 62-year-old wife had not been photographed together since the 2003 Golden Globe Awards.

Less than two weeks after the restaurant sighting, Hackman stopped at a 7-Eleven for coffee and pie, this time without the cane. The two-time Oscar winner turned his back on Hollywood in 2004 after filming Welcome to Mooseport with Ray Romano.

“I really don’t want to do it any longer,” he said.

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He turned to writing, churning out historical novels. Although Hackman has three adult children, Betsy, who shares his $750,000 ranch, is set to inherit his $80 million fortune. Says an insider, “They have retreated to a happy life together.”