Family friends reveal Gene Hackman's health was deteriorating before his tragic demise

Gene Hackman was a legendary Hollywood actor known for his powerful performances in films such as ‘The French Connection,’ ‘Unforgiven,’ and ‘Hoosiers.’ However, Hackman took retirement from acting in the early 2000s and lived a private life with his wife, Betsy, in New Mexico. Recently, he and his wife passed away, and the news shook all. After the sudden demise, their long-time family friends Daniel and Barbara Lenihan made a revelation about Gene's deteriorating health in recent months.

During an interview with People, family friends Daniel and Barbara Lenihan, along with their son, shared a memory of the couple, whom they had known for over thirty years.

Daniel shared that Hackman had become "essentially kind of home-bound" in recent times. Barbara mentioned that he had stopped riding his bike around the neighborhood about a year ago. Aron added that “Betsy tried to keep him kind of active and engaged,” encouraging him to do puzzles and yoga via Zoom.

He revealed to the media outlet that “She was still trying to keep him as active and engaged and healthy as possible.”

The Lenihan couple mentioned that in recent months Hackman “was really slipping.”

Meanwhile, Barbara emphasized that Betsy was in excellent health and very fit. Aron revealed that she was “very protective of him in terms of COVID” and always wore a mask when they met.

Weighing on the couple’s bond, Aron said, “they were one of the tightest couples I've seen,” adding, “they seemed like real life partners, really, really close to each other, and they were both incredibly kind. And they were reserved, but they were real, [and] a lot of fun.”

Further, Barbara explained that Hackman was deeply proud of Betsy, who had been a concert pianist. Their home included a special studio space, half of it was her grand pianos and another half was Gene's art studio.