Oscar-winning American actor Gene Hackman and his wife Betsy Arakawa have been found dead at their home in New Mexico, according to the Santa Fe County Sheriff’s Office.
Hackman, who was 95, and Arakawa, aged 64, were discovered on Wednesday afternoon alongside their dog. Authorities responded to the home on Old Sunset Trail, where deputies found the couple deceased. While the investigation remains active, the police reported no signs of foul play, and the exact cause of death has not yet been determined.
Gene Hackman leaves behind a legacy as one of Hollywood's most respected actors, with a career spanning six decades, during which he was recognized with two Academy Awards. His first Oscar came for his role as Detective Jimmy “Popeye” Doyle in the 1971 film The French Connection, which is widely considered one of his standout performances. Hackman won his second Academy Award for Best Supporting Actor for his role as Little Bill Daggett in Clint Eastwood's Unforgiven (1992).
Born on January 30, 1930, Hackman grew up in San Bernardino, California, before enlisting in the Marine Corps at the age of 16. He served as both a field radio operator and broadcast journalist during the years 1947 to 1952. Following his military service, Hackman studied journalism and television production at the University of Illinois before deciding to pursue acting.
Throughout his illustrious film career, Hackman showcased remarkable versatility, starring alongside heavyweights like Warren Beatty, Al Pacino, and Gene Wilder. His breakout role came in 1967’s Bonnie and Clyde, where he received his first Academy Award nomination for Best Supporting Actor. He later gained acclaim for other notable movies, including Mississippi Burning (1988) and The Conversation (1974), the latter being directed by Francis Ford Coppola, who praised Hackman as "a great actor, inspiring and magnificent in his work and complexity" after his passing.
Hackman became known to new generations for his portrayal of the iconic supervillain Lex Luthor in the 1978 film Superman, directed by Richard Donner. He reprised the role for subsequent sequels, earning both recognition and admiration from fans of the franchise. Valerie Perrine, who played his on-screen love interest Eve Teschmacher, remembered him as "a genius and one of the greatest to grace the silver screen." Her moving tribute emphasized Hackman's lasting impact on the film industry.
Despite his legendary status, Hackman became increasingly private over the years, having lived in Santa Fe since the 1980s. He shifted from acting to writing, co-authoring novels with Daniel Lenihan, including Escape from Andersonville: A Novel of the Civil War and writing solo works such as Payback at Morning Peak and Pursuit.
The couple, married since 1991, was known for their devotion to each other and their shared love for the arts, with Arakawa being a talented classical pianist. Together, they created a life away from the Hollywood spotlight after Hackman's retirement from acting, leading to fewer public appearances.
Following the announcement of their deaths, many within the film community expressed their condolences and shared memories of Hackman’s immense contributions to cinema. Bafta, the British Academy of Film and Television Arts, recognized him as "a much-celebrated actor" with an "illustrious career," cementing his status within the pantheon of greats. Hackman's career, marked by both critically acclaimed performances and popular box office hits, defined him as one of the most accomplished actors of his generation.
The confirmation of their deaths was met with sadness, as friends and admirers reflected on Hackman’s remarkable life. "I mourn his loss and celebrate his existence and contribution," Coppola added poignantly. This sentiment resonates as the world remembers both Gene Hackman and Betsy Arakawa for their impact on the arts and their shared legacy.