The Hawaiian native, who was of Japanese ancestry, 'believed staying physically fit was of utmost importance to his health,' a source has told DailyMail.com.
Gene Hackman's wife, Betsy Arakawa, encouraged his extreme exercise and diet in New Mexico due to her belief in its spiritual benefits, despite his preference for fast food. Hackman, Arakawa, and one of their dogs were found dead in their home; his pacemaker registered its last event nine days prior. Hackman was a two-time Oscar-winning actor who retired in 2004.