Gene Hackman was spotted with his seldom-seen wife in public recently. Observers couldn’t help but comment on his noticeably thin appearance, sparking widespread discussion about his changed look.

Gene Hackman, aged 94, made a rare public appearance with his wife, Betsy Arakawa, after years of retirement. Hackman sported a checkered button-down shirt beneath a gray vest, paired with green-gray cargo trousers. Completing his ensemble were a cap and sunglasses.

Despite needing a cane for support, Hackman remained mobile, accompanied by his wife. The outing held special significance as it marked their first public appearance together in over two decades.

Kino. French Connection, The. Gene Hackman stars as Jimmy Doyle, whose investigations uncover a heroin smuggling operation between Marseille and New York in the 1971 film “The French Connection.” (Image by FilmPublicityArchive/United Archives via Getty Images)

American actor Gene Hackman pictured in the motion picture “The French Connection” | Source: Getty Illustrations or photos

Hackman’s recent appearance sparked a flood of comments on social media. Many people remarked on his visibly fragile look, eliciting a range of emotions.

Gene Hackman at “The Royal Tenenbaums” Los Angeles Premiere | Source: Getty Photos

Reactions to his appearance included remarks such as, “Sad in a way to see him aged,” and others stating, “That doesn’t look like him at all,” “That looks nothing like #genehackman,” and “I love him… I never would’ve recognized him though,” highlighting surprise at his aged appearance. One specific critique noted, “It looks like the wind could take him away,” alluding to his perceived frailty.