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. 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.”
As we previously mentioned, Gene and his wife Betsy were discovered lost in their home on Wednesday; the warrant application indicates that the police believe their losses have a suspicious element. A neighborhood caretaker called the police, who arrived and declared the two de.ad at the scene. Doug claims that despite Gene’s love of the quiet lifestyle, Gene was always cool about sharing Hollywood stories with his friends. The investigation is still ongoing.
