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Image Courtesy: The Mirror US
Beyond his well-known movie appearances, the late two-time Academy Award winner Gene Hackman left behind much more. After his retirement from acting in the early 2000s, he turned to painting, collecting and writing quietly in his Santa Fe home. His estate has now announced a significant auction in November that will feature a number of his personal belongings, such as paintings he made or collected, Golden Globes, and diver's watches, providing fans and collectors with a rare glimpse into the actor's personal life.
From Hollywood Stalwart to Private Collector
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Image Courtesy: Film Forum
One of the biggest success stories in Hollywood is still Gene Hackman's career. Hackman, who was born in San Bernardino, California, in 1930, had a difficult journey to stardom. He first served in the U.S. Marine Corps before attending the Pasadena Playhouse to study acting, where he was infamously chosen "least likely to succeed." Nevertheless, he overcame all obstacles to become one of his generation's most celebrated actors.
After a breakthrough performance in 'Bonnie and Clyde' (1967), for which he received his first Oscar nomination, he went on to win his first Academy Award for Best Actor in 'The French Connection' (1971). His reputation as a powerful performer who could convey both anger and vulnerability was cemented when he won another Oscar for 'Unforgiven' (1992). Known for roles in 'Hoosiers,' 'The Royal Tenenbaums,' and as Lex Luthor in 'Superman,' Hackman brought depth to every character he played.
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Image Courtesy: ScreenRant
After officially retiring from acting in 2004, Hackman settled in Santa Fe, New Mexico, where he discovered a new passion for painting and writing. Hackman found a new love for writing and painting in Santa Fe, New Mexico, after formally retired from acting in 2004. He co-wrote a number of historical fiction books and produced colorful paintings that mirrored his passion for the outdoors and solitude.
He was "happy and at peace," according to friends, and lived far away from the Hollywood spotlight that used to define him. His later years were spent quietly with his wife, Betsy Arakawa, surrounded by his art and personal collections that now serve as the focal point of the upcoming auction.
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Image Courtesy: Entertainment Weekly
The Strange Final Chapter and Cause of Death
In February 2025, strangely both the actor and his wife, Betsy Arakawa, were found deceased in their Santa Fe home; the discovery sparked intense media scrutiny. Authorities eventually concluded that severe Alzheimer's disease played a role in Hackman's death, which was caused by hypertensive and atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease.
His wife had died days earlier from Hantavirus pulmonary syndrome, a rare rodent-borne illness. The timing and circumstances of their deaths—including data from Hackman's pacemaker indicating his heart stopped on or about 18th February, after his wife's likely 11th February passing—added heartbreaking layers to the story.
Auction Details: A Glimpse into His Private World
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Items from Hackman's estate that highlight every aspect of his life beyond acting will now be up for auction at Bonhams this November. A Seiko diver's wristwatch, his Golden Globes (including those for Unforgiven and The Royal Tenenbaums), his paintings (including a still life of a Japanese vase), annotated books from his library, movie scripts and posters, and even high-end works like a 1957 oil painting by Milton Avery or a bronze by Auguste Rodin are all up for the auction.
The catalogue offers something for both casual fans and professional collectors, with prices ranging from as low as US $100 (for his dartboard) to much higher values. This sale "offers an intimate portrait of Hackman's private world," according to Bonhams. The auction thus closes a final chapter on Hackman's life—one that began in front of the camera and ended in the quiet reflection of art, collection and legacy.
