Hermit Hackman: Once-Busy Star Shuns Hollywood, Rarely Leaves Desert Ranch As Recluse 93-Year-Old Star Is Photographed For First Time In 4 Years
Screen legend Gene Hackman has been living out his final days as a “sad and lonely” recluse in New Mexico, RadarOnline.com has learned.
The 93-year-old actor turned his back on Hollywood in 2004 to hole up at his ranch in Santa Fe, where he paints and writes novels.
Gene — a two-time Oscar winner for The French Connection and Unforgiven — was photographed on March 5 during a rare public outing when he stopped for Wendy’s takeout.
“Hungry Hackman chowed down on his chicken sandwich in the fast food franchise’s parking lot before pumping gas at a nearby station,” The New York Post reported.
According to insiders, the once-strapping star — who played supervillain Lex Luthor in 1978’s Superman — now relies on his second wife, 60-year-old Betsy Arakawa, to look after their household and walk their three dogs.
Betsy is set to inherit his $80 million estate, and in 2011 Gene also transferred the $750,000 ranch they share into her name.
In the past, sources have claimed Betsy has isolated Gene from his three kids — Christopher, 58, Elizabeth, 56, and Leslie, 52.
“The word is Betsy has him completely under her thumb,” an insider dished to RadarOnline.com.
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Gene tied the knot with Betsy in 1991 and filed a trust giving her an equal share of his business interests.
His children said they “can’t comment” on their dad’s life. A source added: “He is spending the sunset of his life seeing no one other than his wife, Betsy.”
The raspy-voiced actor — an avid cyclist — bought a $2,200 electric bike from the Broken Spoke bicycle store near his ranch a few years ago.
Store manager Mike Chapman said of the star: “He drives a beat-up old pickup and is just like anyone else. He doesn’t expect special treatment.”
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The former actor’s rep has said Gene is “happily retired,” engaged in his community and enjoys traveling with his wife.
He’s also been spotted knocking back a few at a sleepy bar/cafe in the quaint hamlet of Tesuque.
An insider said: “He goes to Tesuque Village Market from time to time to drink booze. It’s the only bar in Tesuque. It’s hard not to notice how old he looks.”