Gene Hackman‘s wife was very serious about the star’s health, putting him on a strict diet years ago … so says his longtime friend and former business partner.
Doug Lanham, a close friend and former business partner, tells TMZ … Betsy Arakawa made sure Gene was eating right — demanding he stick to a strict diet.
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In fact, Betsy took it so seriously, Doug says Gene was only able to sneak a cheat meal when they were out golfing … this despite owning a bar and bistro for years.
Doug tells us he owned Jinja Bar & Bistro when he first met Gene … who took an interest in the restaurant industry and became a co-owner in the enterprise eventually.
Hackman retired from the biz about seven years ago … selling off his stake for a tidy profit, Doug says.
Despite leaving the restaurant industry, Doug says Gene would often come by for a meal — because of the diet Betsy had him on he’d often order either the halibut or rice-paper salmon rather than a big steak.
Usually, when Gene came by he’d also pick up the tab for a few lucky customers too … and, he even made all the art for the restaurant. So sounds like his post-acting years were still very busy.
Doug remembers Gene as a jokester who would play dumb little tricks on him … like putting his finger to Doug’s back and telling him to “reach for the stars.”
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Despite his love for the quiet lifestyle, Doug says Gene was always cool about sharing Hollywood stories with his friends.
As we told you … Gene and his wife Betsy were found dead in their home Wednesday — and, the warrant application shows the police feel their deaths have a suspicious element to them.
A caretaker of the neighborhood made the 911 call to police … who arrived and pronounced the two dead at the scene. The investigation is ongoing.x
Gene was 95 … Arakawa was 65.
RIP
