SANTA FE, N.M. — Nestled in the Rocky Mountain foothills and enveloped by the distinct aroma of piñon and juniper, Santa Fe is renowned as a quiet retreat for actors and writers striving to evade the public eye. This week, however, the world’s focus turned unavoidably towards this peaceful haven following the tragic news that Oscar-winning actor Gene Hackman and his wife, Betsy Arakawa, were discovered deceased in their picturesque home in these very hills.
Hackman, aged 95, and Arakawa, 65, had long sought refuge from celebrity life in Santa Fe, like numerous acclaimed artists before them. The locale has been a favored destination for illustrious figures such as actors Shirley MacLaine, Ali MacGraw, and “Game of Thrones” author George R. R. Martin.
Santa Fe, located over a mile above sea level, is celebrated for its unique charm, embodied by Pueblo-style architecture, galleries brimming with Southwest-themed art, and shops showcasing turquoise-adorned jewelry. Established initially by Indigenous communities and later colonized by Spain, New Mexico’s capital city now radiates a relaxed ambiance where youthful skateboarders navigate through sidewalks alongside affluent retirees clad in Pendleton cardigans and cowboy boots.
Spotting a celebrity amidst a landscape of galleries and trails doesn’t cause much of a stir among the locals, who understand why such figures choose Santa Fe as a home away from home. “Celebrities come here for the same reason as anyone else. They seek to experience normal life,” shared artist Kristin Bortles during a pause from designing a new café mural.
The typically serene city was collectively rattled on Thursday as residents learned of the deaths of Hackman and Arakawa. Such a media frenzy hadn’t hit Santa Fe since the unfortunate incident involving Alec Baldwin on the “Rust” movie set.
By Friday, discussions naturally gravitated towards Santa Fe’s status as a sanctuary where celebrities can escape from the often relentless limelight found in cities like Los Angeles or New York, or even in the more glamorous regions of the Rocky Mountains, such as Vail, Colorado.
Retiring in the early 2000s, Hackman’s illustrious career spanned several decades, portraying a variety of characters across numerous film genres. Although he was seldom seen in Hollywood’s social sphere, he briefly appeared at awards shows.
Hackman’s contributions extended beyond acting as he served on the board of trustees for the Georgia O’Keeffe Museum in Santa Fe. He authored a novel about the American West called “Payback at Morning Peak,” centered around New Mexico, and co-wrote a Civil War narrative titled “Escape from Andersonville.” Not far from Santa Fe lies Glorieta Pass, the site of a notable battle in 1862.
The couple resided in a multilevel Pueblo-style house harmoniously integrated with the surrounding landscape. Hackman maintained a routine that included Pilates, cycling along trails, and enjoying fresh farm eggs delivered by friends.
Despite Hackman’s preference for a private lifestyle and his discretion in public appearances, he was occasionally seen wandering through downtown Santa Fe. As one of his era’s most successful actors, his demeanor was unexpectedly humble.
“The intriguing element of Santa Fe is the unpredictability of whom you might encounter or meet,” observed Gabriel Garcia, whose family has sold fine jewelry and leather goods in the Santa Fe Plaza for more than six decades.
Hackman was often described by friends as donning a casual attire of jeans, flannel shirts, and sometimes a baseball cap. Friend Stuart Ashman, a former head of the New Mexico Department of Cultural Affairs, noted Hackman’s remarkable ability to engage in conversations that focused more on others than on himself.
Hackman’s affinity for painting and his attraction to the natural beauty and unique light of Santa Fe’s high desert were well known. His wife, Arakawa, a classical musician, was renowned for her gentle nature and humble demeanor, as recalled by Larry Keller, an art store owner in the area.
Keller emphasized the community’s mutual understanding not to elevate anyone because of celebrity status. “In Santa Fe, we maintain a ‘cool for school’ attitude,” he remarked, echoing the city’s laid-back essence.