Emma Heming Willis, the wife of Hollywood star Bruce Willis, has spoken out about the tragic passing of Gene Hackman and his wife Betsy Arakawa, saying their deaths highlight an important lesson: caregivers need care too.
Her comments come after Hackman, aged 95, and Arakawa, aged 65, were found dead at their home in Santa Fe, New Mexico, on 26 February. A pathologist later determined that Hackman had died from heart disease, just one week after Arakawa had succumbed to a rare infectious disease. Their deaths have sparked widespread conversation about the emotional and physical toll of caregiving, particularly in the later years of life.
Emma Heming Willis reflects on the Hackmans’ passing
Heming Willis, who has been the primary carer for Bruce Willis since he was diagnosed with frontotemporal dementia in 2022, took to Instagram to share her thoughts on the tragedy.
“So this is not something I would normally comment on, but I do really believe that there is some learning in this story, in regards to this tragic passing of Mr and Mrs Hackman,” she wrote.
She went on to stress the importance of supporting caregivers, pointing out that many people wrongly assume that carers “have it all figured out”.
“It’s just made me think of this broader story, and that is that caregivers need care too, and that they are vital, and that it is so important that we show up for them so that they can continue to show up for their person,” she said.
Her post, which was widely shared online, was simply captioned: “Caregivers need care too. Period. Full stop.”
The struggles of being a carer
Heming Willis has been open about the challenges of caring for Bruce Willis, with whom she has been married for over 15 years.
Despite his dementia diagnosis, she has often shared that Willis still experiences love, connection, joy, and happiness in his life. However, she has also spoken candidly about the emotional and physical exhaustion that caregivers face.
Her comments about Hackman and Arakawa reflect wider concerns about the impact of caregiving on mental and physical health. Studies have shown that caregivers are at greater risk of stress, depression, and health complications, particularly when looking after a loved one with a chronic illness.
Hollywood reacts to the loss of Gene Hackman
Gene Hackman was one of Hollywood’s most celebrated actors, known for his roles in The French Connection, Unforgiven, Superman, and The Royal Tenenbaums. His wife, Betsy Arakawa, was a classical pianist and businesswoman, and the couple had been married since 1991.
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Their deaths have led to an outpouring of tributes from fans and celebrities alike, with many reflecting on Hackman’s legacy in cinema and the deep bond he shared with Arakawa.
Demi Moore says Bruce Willis is in a “stable place”
Heming Willis’s comments also come after Demi Moore, Bruce Willis’s ex-wife and close friend, gave an update on his health condition.
In a December 2023 interview with CNN, Moore revealed that the Die Hard star was in a “very stable place at the moment”.
Despite the progressive nature of his dementia, Moore, Heming Willis, and their blended family have remained dedicated to his care and well-being.
A message of awareness and support
Heming Willis’s message serves as a reminder of the hidden struggles of caregiving. While she did not comment directly on the circumstances of Hackman and Arakawa’s deaths, her words shed light on the emotional strain that many carers endure.
As Hollywood mourns the loss of Gene Hackman and his wife, Heming Willis hopes their passing will encourage more awareness, empathy, and support for caregivers worldwide.
