Actor Gene Hackman, two-time Academy Award winner, along with his wife Betsy Arakawa, was found dead at their home in Santa Fe, New Mexico, on February 27, 2025, shortly after midnight. The couple, who had been married since 1991, were discovered along with their dog, prompting local authorities to initiate an investigation.
According to Sheriff Adan Mendoza of Santa Fe County, preliminary investigations are underway, and he noted, "We are conducting preliminary investigations and waiting for approval of the search warrant." Authorities have stated there were no immediate signs of foul play, but the circumstances surrounding their deaths remain unclear.
Hackman, who was 95 at the time of his death, is renowned for his prominent roles in films such as The French Connection, Unforgiven, and Bonnie and Clyde. His contributions to cinema earned him acclaim as one of the greatest actors of the latter half of the 20th century, winning his first Oscar in 1972 for his portrayal of Detective Jimmy "Popeye" Doyle. He claimed his second Oscar for Best Supporting Actor in Clint Eastwood's Unforgiven. The actor last appeared on screen in the 2004 film Welcome to Mooseport and retired publicly from acting four years later.
The couple’s daughter, Elizabeth Hackman, suggested to TMZ, "We are unsure but believe toxic gases may have been the cause of death," referencing possible carbon monoxide poisoning, amid the lack of violent signs discovered during the preliminary investigation.
Friends, colleagues, and fans expressed their grief over Hackman's death. Renowned director Francis Ford Coppola, who worked with Hackman on The Conversation, shared on Instagram, "The loss of a great artist is always both a moment for mourning and honoring: Gene Hackman is a great actor who inspired and was magnificent in his work and complexity. I mourn his loss and rejoice at the fact he existed and made his contribution." This statement reflects the widespread sadness felt among those who admired Hackman’s remarkable career.
Born on January 30, 1930, Hackman was part of the New Hollywood era, a cultural wave between the 1960s and 1980s. He starred alongside notable talents, garnering accolades and nominations, including eight Golden Globe nominations, four of which he won. Regarding his crafts, Hackman was known for turning down roles due to health concerns, including those for classic films such as Apocalypse Now and One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest.
His career spanned decades and featured memorable performances across various genres, from thrillers to comedies. Within the public eye, Hackman maintained a relatively private life, choosing to shun Hollywood's spotlight after his retirement, focusing instead on writing, venturing as far as publishing novels.
While the precise cause of their deaths is still under investigation, the sentiment shared by the public resonates; Gene Hackman is not just remembered as one of the greats of Hollywood, but as someone whose artistry moved millions—a true legend of cinema. More details on the investigation will hold the nation’s attention as fans and loved ones await clarification on this tragic event.