Legendary Oscar-winning actor Gene Hackman and his wife, Betsy Arakawa, have tragically been found dead at their home in New Mexico, according to authorities.
The Santa Fe County Sheriff’s deputies discovered the couple, along with their dog, during a welfare check at their residence just outside Santa Fe on Wednesday afternoon, around 1:45 p.m. local time.
At this point, the sheriff’s office has stated that while no foul play is suspected, the exact cause of their deaths has not yet been determined, and the investigation remains active.
Gene Hackman, 95, was a revered figure in Hollywood, known for his extraordinary acting talent that earned him five Oscar nominations throughout his illustrious career.
He clinched two Academy Awards: one for Best Actor for his role in The French Connection and another for Best Supporting Actor in Unforgiven—a career milestone that spanned over two decades.
Hackman’s breakthrough came in 1967 with his unforgettable performance as the brother of bank robber Clyde Barrow in Bonnie and Clyde, earning him his first Oscar nomination. A second followed in 1971 for I Never Sang for My Father.
Throughout his prolific career, Hackman became a versatile icon, starring in a range of genres from action-packed thrillers to comedies, including a memorable comedic turn in Mel Brooks’ Young Frankenstein.
Perhaps one of his most famous roles came in 1978 when he played the iconic villain Lex Luthor in Superman alongside Christopher Reeve. Hackman’s career continued to thrive well into the 2000s, with his final substantial role in the 2004 comedy Welcome to Mooseport. He retired from acting in his 70s, expressing that the roles he was offered no longer suited him.
Hackman was married twice, first to Faye Maltese, with whom he had three children—Christopher, Elizabeth Jean, and Leslie Anne. Maltese passed away in 2017. He married Betsy Arakawa, a classical pianist, in 1991.
The passing of Hackman and Arakawa has left a void in the hearts of fans worldwide, marking the end of an era for one of Hollywood’s greatest talents. Their legacy will surely live on through the incredible body of work Hackman leaves behind.
