Gene Hackman, the two-time Academy Award-winning actor known for his legendary performances in The French Connection, Superman, and The Royal Tenenbaums, has been found dead alongside his wife, Betsy Arakawa, at their home in Santa Fe, New Mexico. The couple’s dog was also discovered at the scene. Authorities confirmed New Mexico police responded to the couple’s Sunset Trail residence on Wednesday afternoon, where they were pronounced dead. While the cause of death remains under investigation, officials stated no foul play is suspected at this time.
Hackman was widely considered one of the finest actors of his generation, and over the course of his career, which spanned multiple decades, he delivered iconic performances in some of Hollywood’s most revered films. He was born in San Bernardino, California, in January 1930 and took an unlikely path toward becoming a star. After serving in the U.S. Marine Corps, he turned his eye toward acting and eventually made his breakthrough with Bonnie and Clyde in 1967, for which his portrayal as Buck Barrow earned him the first of many Oscar nominations.
He won his first Oscar for his role as Detective Jimmy "Popeye" Doyle in The French Connection in 1971, and his career soared from there. He later took on the role of one of cinema's most iconic villains, Lex Luthor, in 1978's Superman. His career continued to thrive, leading to his second Academy Award win for his performance as Little Bill Daggett in Clint Eastwood's Unforgiven (1992). Hackman's quality was evident until the end of his acting career, marked by his performance as the eccentric patriarch in The Royal Tenenbaums (2001).
Hackman's film credits are extensive, with masterpieces like The Poseidon Adventure, The Conversation, Hoosiers, Mississippi Burning, Get Shorty, Crimson Tide, Enemy of the State, and The Replacements solidifying him as one of Hollywood's greats. He retired from acting after his final film, Welcome to Mooseport (2004), choosing to step away from the spotlight and focus on writing historical fiction novels, producing works like Escape from Andersonville and Payback at Morning Peak. The thoughts of everyone at Collider are with the friends and family of Gene Hackman and Betsy Arakawa.
The couple was found deceased on Wednesday. According to Sheriff Adan Mendoza, “We can confirm Gene Hackman and his wife were found dead Wednesday afternoon at their home on Sunset Trail.” Sheriff Mendoza added, “All I can say is we’re in the middle of a preliminary death investigation...and I want to assure the community and neighborhood there's no immediate danger to anyone.” Hackman is survived by his three children from his first marriage to Faye Maltese.
Born on January 30, 1930, Hackman had difficulties growing up. His father, who left the family when Gene was only 13, contributed to his troublesome youth. At 16, he enlisted in the Marines, serving for four and half years as radio operators during the late 1940s, stationed mainly in China and Japan. After leaving the military, Hackman decided to pursue acting, eventually making his way to the Broadway stage after several years of struggling with small roles.
After catching the attention of Hollywood producers, Hackman returned to Los Angeles to star in Bonnie and Clyde, where he played Clyde Barrow’s older brother, earning his first Oscar nomination. Diverse roles followed, establishing him as one of the top leading men of his time. Hackman had numerous roles showcasing his range, including playing hard-nosed detectives, cynical villains, and sympathetic characters, making him beloved by audiences and peers alike.
Hackman was married to Faye Maltese for 30 years, raising three children before divorcing. He later married Betsy Arakawa, a classical pianist, who was 30 years his junior, on September 1, 1991. Throughout the last years of his life, the couple maintained privacy and made rare public appearances.
Gene Hackman's status as one of the legends of cinema grew after his retirement, remaining one of the few icons to successfully step away from the industry entirely. Reporting on confirming news of his death continues to develop, with many reflecting on his significant contributions to film and enduring legacy. The entertainment world mourns the loss of Hackman, whose performances created lasting impressions around the globe.