Gene Hackman, the Oscar-winning actor known for iconic roles spanning several decades, has passed away at the age of 95 alongside his wife, Betsy Arakawa, and their dog. The tragic discovery was made on Wednesday, February 26, 2025, by authorities conducting a wellness check at their home located within a gated community just outside of Santa Fe, New Mexico.
According to Sheriff Adan Mendoza, emergency responders found Hackman, Arakawa, who was 63, and their dog deceased when they arrived at the residence around 1:45 PM local time. While the investigation is still underway, authorities have stated there is no immediate suspicion of foul play, though they did not disclose specific details surrounding the couple’s deaths.
"We can confirm both Gene Hackman and his wife were found dead on Wednesday afternoon at their residence on Sunset Trail," said Sheriff Mendoza during a press briefing. "This is currently under investigation, but at this time we do not believe there was any criminal activity involved. We are still awaiting approval for search warrants to proceed with our inquiries."
This somber news arrived just days before the 2025 Oscars ceremony, which many expected would likely include tributes to Hackman’s storied career.
Hackman was widely regarded as one of the film industry's most versatile and respected actors, achieving fame for his compelling portrayals of both villains and heroes over the course of his more than six-decade career. He received five Academy Award nominations and won two: one for his performance as Popeye Doyle in The French Connection and another for his role as William Munny in Unforgiven, with 21 years separating the two honors.
Born on January 30, 1930, Hackman established himself as one of Hollywood's top talents through memorable performances from the late 1960s onward, featuring in classics such as Bonnie and Clyde, Superman, and Hoosiers. Despite retiring from acting nearly two decades ago, he remained influential and beloved among film enthusiasts.
Gene Hackman’s wife, Betsy Arakawa, also contributed significantly to the arts as a classical pianist. The pair married in 1991, having met two years prior at a health club where Arakawa worked part-time. Although Hackman had been previously married and had three children from his first marriage, the couple shared a domestic life aimed at privacy away from the glare of Hollywood.
The couple was known for their serene lifestyle, having settled in Santa Fe after moving there in the 1980s. A unique architectural feature of their home, which caught the eye of readers of Architectural Digest, was its blend of pueblo, colonial, and Spanish baroque styles. Arakawa kept her personal life largely private, maintaining no significant presence on social media.
Earlier this month, the British Academy of Film and Television Arts (BAFTA) expressed their condolences upon hearing of Hackman's passing. “We are saddened to learn of the passing of Gene Hackman at the age of 95,” the organization posted on social media. “His illustrious career, spanning over six decades and adorned with prestigious awards, has left a lasting legacy.”
Despite the sudden tragedy surrounding his death, there has been no public comment from Hackman’s family at this time. Friends, fans, and colleagues have voiced their shock and sorrow over his unexpected passing, with many remembering him as not only one of the greatest actors of his generation but also as one of the warmest individuals off-screen.
Throughout his professional life, Hackman was lauded not just for his performances, but for his strong local involvement, once serving on the board of the Georgia O’Keeffe Museum. After retiring from acting, he shifted to writing, publishing several novels starting with Wake of the Perdido Star released in 1999. He described writing as another form of storytelling, which he embraced during his quiet years at his New Mexico ranch.
The film community has indicated plans for tributes at the upcoming Academy Awards, recognizing his substantial contributions to cinema. The effect of his work goes beyond mere recognition; his roles influenced generations of actors and left indelible marks on American film culture.
From heroic figures to complex antiheroes, Gene Hackman's legacy as one of Hollywood's most dynamic actors will endure. The quiet elegance of his life with Arakawa amid the mountains of New Mexico stands as a poignant footnote to his cinematic achievements. While the couple's deaths have brought immense sorrow, his legacy—along with the memories shared through his films—will remain vibrant for his fans and the artists he inspired.