The passing of legendary actor Gene Hackman, aged 95, along with his wife Betsy Arakawa, 63, has cast a shadow over Hollywood. Authorities confirmed the couple, along with their pet dog, were found dead at their home on Sunset Trail, Santa Fe, New Mexico, on Wednesday afternoon. Santa Fe County Sheriff Adán Mendoza stated, "We can confirm both Gene Hackman and his wife were found dead. This investigation is currently active, but we do not believe foul play is involved."
Hackman, whose cinematic legacy spans over five decades, was renowned for his powerful performances and memorable roles, winning two Academy Awards for his work. These accolades include the Best Actor Oscar for his portrayal of Jimmy "Popeye" Doyle in the crime thriller, The French Connection (1971), and Best Supporting Actor for his role as Little Bill Daggett in Unforgiven (1992).
His storied career also included iconic characters such as Lex Luthor in the original Superman films and roles alongside actors like Al Pacino and Warren Beatty. After his retirement from acting following Welcome to Mooseport in 2004, Hackman chose to embrace private life, choosing to write novels and paint rather than stay under the Hollywood spotlight.
Upon hearing the news of Hackman's death, renowned director Francis Ford Coppola expressed his condolences on social media, saying, "The loss of a great artist is always cause for mourning and celebration: Gene Hackman, great actor, inspiring and magnificent... I mourn his loss and celebrate his being and contribution."
George Takei, known for his role on Star Trek, also shared his grief on social media, stating, "We have lost one of the true giants of the screen... A powerful actor who could be anyone and no one at the same time."
Betsy Arakawa, who was often described as Hackman's partner since 1991, was primarily known for her talents as a classical pianist. Their life together was relatively private, reflective of Hackman's desire to keep low-key after stepping away from the film industry.
What remains unclear is the cause of their deaths. Authorities have stated it remains under investigation, but there are currently no indications of violence. Mendoza reassured the community saying, "I want to assure the community and neighborhood there is no immediate danger to anyone."
Hackman was born Eugene Allen Hackman on January 30, 1930, and began his career later than most, only pursuing acting after serving four years in the Marines and working various jobs, including as a journalist. Despite his late start, he quickly rose to be one of Hollywood's most respected figures, noted for his unique character portrayals.
Over the years, Hackman's unique presence on screen and reality as someone who preferred solitude away from filming made him something of an enigma. Since retiring, he had remained largely out of the public eye, save for rare appearances with Arakawa, including their last public sighting together at the Golden Globes back in 2003.
The couple had no children together, but Hackman had three from his previous marriage to Faye Maltese. The legacy of Hackman lives on through his significant contributions to the film industry, admired and celebrated even long after stepping away from the limelight.
While the world mourns the loss of Gene Hackman and Betsy Arakawa, their legacies as individuals and as partners demonstrate the depth of their impact, not solely through film but as part of existing as vibrant human beings away from the public life.