I’ve enjoyed creating great stories of mystery, suspense, and intrigue. But as the old saying goes, “Life sometimes is stranger than fiction.”
This is especially true after the latest news that came out about Gene Hackman. So far, no foul play was involved, so far. Though Mr. Hackman was over 95 years old, his wife, Betsy Arakawa, though, was only in her sixties, and by all appearances was extremely healthy.
As the weeks and months come into play, the autopsy results, the toxicology tests, and any other pathological or forensic evidence will obviously come into play here, revealing how they died, and if it was a “murder most foul,” the person or persons responsible will be found and face justice.
I really liked Hackman and the roles that he portrayed. Like the news reporter stated in her piece, he put himself 100 percent into any role he did, be it hero or villain. I remember him playing both types of characters in the French Connection and Hoosiers and Unforgiven and Lex Luthor in the Superman series.
What I think I liked best about Hackman was his ability to keep his private life private. I think the fact he wasn’t a drop-dead gorgeous hunk of burning love had a lot to do with it. The tabloids tend to ignore actors such as him, focusing more on the Redfords, Cruises and DiCaprios of the world.
If indeed this is a case of murder for the sake of celebrity, it would be incredibly sad for his memory and his legacy as a superb actor and human being.
Jerry Schellhammer 