Gene Hackman was observed out and about with his wife, who is rarely seen. Fans couldn’t help but notice his emaciated appearance, which prompted countless comments about him being unrecognizable.

Gene Hackman, 94, made a rare public appearance with his wife, Betsy Arakawa, after decades of retirement. Hackman wore a checkered button-down shirt under a gray vest and green-gray cargo pants to round out his look. He paired his appearance with a cap and sunglasses.

Hackman remained ambulatory, but he relied on a cane in one hand and his wife in the other. The couple’s outing was important because it was their first public appearance together in more than two decades.

American actor Gene Hackman pictured in the movie “The French Connection” | Source: Getty Images

Hackman’s encounter sparked a flood of remarks regarding the actor’s appearance on social media. Many people have commented on his visibly fragile look, eliciting various emotions.

Some comments included observations like “Sad in a way to see him aged.” Others commented, “That doesn’t look like him one bit,” “That looks nothing like #genehackman,” and “I love him…” I never would’ve recognized him, though,” emphasizing the shock of his age. A specific criticism stated, “It looks like the wind could take him away,” referring to his weakness.