Hollywood is mourning the loss of actor Gene Hackman, who has died at the age of 95. The acclaimed actor, best known for his roles in The French Connection, Superman, Unforgiven, and The Royal Tenenbaums, was found dead at his home in Santa Fe, New Mexico, alongside his wife, classical pianist Betsy Arakawa. Authorities confirmed on Wednesday afternoon, February 27, 2025, the couple's passing, adding they also discovered the couple's dog deceased at the residence. While the cause of death has not been determined, there was no immediate indication of foul play, according to local sheriff's authorities.
Born on January 30, 1930, Hackman's lifelong passion for acting ignited at the tender age of 10 when he viewed his first movie. "Acting was something I wanted to do since I was 10 and saw my first movie," Hackman reflected, citing famed actor James Cagney as his early inspiration. His family's move to Illinois coincided with the Great Depression, and Hackman's formative years were spent dreaming of escaping his humble beginnings.
At the age of 16, Hackman dropped out of high school, lying about his age to enlist in the Marine Corps, where he served as a radio operator. Following his military service, Hackman pursued acting, studying at the Pasadena Playhouse and forging friendships with other budding stars like Dustin Hoffman and Robert Duvall. The trio supported one another through their early struggles, focusing on their aspirations of stardom. "We were constantly told by acting teachers and casting directors... 'character' denotes something less than attractive," Hackman recounted of his early days.
Hackman's big break came with his role as Buck Barrow in the 1967 classic Bonnie and Clyde alongside Warren Beatty and Faye Dunaway, which sparked his career and earned him his first Academy Award nomination. He quickly established himself as one of Hollywood's most formidable talents, securing Oscar wins for his unforgettable portrayals of Detective Jimmy “Popeye” Doyle in The French Connection and Sheriff “Little” Bill Daggett in Unforgiven. His Oscar-winning performance as the hardened detective exemplified the grit and realism Hackman brought to his roles.
Throughout his remarkable career spanning over four decades and 85 films, Hackman showcased his versatility by taking on varied roles—from conflicted cops and comic book villains to disillusioned fathers. He became particularly beloved as Lex Luthor in the Superman series, setting standards for film portrayals of supervillains. Despite his successes, he often faced self-doubt. During the filming of The French Connection, he worried he was unsuited for the role, once telling critic Roger Ebert, "I’m not the kind of guy" who embodies such physical characters.
His later ventures included acclaimed performances in The Conversation, Mississippi Burning, The Royal Tenenbaums, where he won the Golden Globe for his role as the self-absorbed patriarch, and numerous projects across genres. Hackman wrapped his career with the 2004 comedy Welcome to Mooseport before retiring from acting. Reflecting on his decision to step back, Hackman stated, "I feel comfortable with what I’ve done."
After stepping away from the spotlight, Hackman transitioned to writing novels and focusing on private life with Arakawa, to whom he married in 1991. Despite limited public appearances, the couple lived quietly away from Hollywood, cultivating their shared passions. Through their life together, Arakawa prioritized music, largely avoiding media engagement.
Tributes have poured in from fans and fellow actors, who have recalled Hackman as one of cinema’s greatest talents. Fellow actor Dustin Hoffman highlighted the close-knit community they formed, reminiscing about their early days battling for roles. The entertainment industry continues to reflect on Hackman’s impressive legacy and impact on film, noting his ability to breathe life and authenticity across varied characters.
With the world awaiting details surrounding the specific circumstances of his passing, one thing remains clear: Gene Hackman's performances captivated audiences for decades, ensuring his influence on film will endure for generations to come. Investigations are still underway, and more information is expected to be released shortly.