Legendary actor Gene Hackman and his wife, Betsy Arakawa, were found dead at their home in New Mexico on Wednesday afternoon.
The Santa Fe County Sheriff’s Office stated that deputies conducted a welfare check at the couple’s residence after a concerned neighbor reported not seeing them for some time. Upon arrival, authorities discovered both Hackman, 95, and Arakawa deceased, along with their dog.
Foul play is not suspected, though an investigation is ongoing, according to Public Information Officer Denise Avila.
Hackman, a two-time Academy Award winner, was widely regarded as one of Hollywood’s greatest actors, with a career spanning over five decades. Known for his versatility and everyman appeal, he starred in numerous iconic films, including The French Connection (1971), The Conversation (1974), and The Royal Tenenbaums (2001).
His portrayal of Detective Jimmy “Popeye” Doyle in The French Connection earned him his first Oscar for Best Actor, while his performance as Sheriff “Little Bill” Daggett in Unforgiven (1992) won him Best Supporting Actor.
Hackman was celebrated for his ability to play flawed authority figures, using his physically imposing presence and nuanced expressions to bring depth to his roles. From his turn as Lex Luthor in Superman (1978) to a disgraced basketball coach in Hoosiers (1986) and a conservative senator caught in a comedic predicament in The Birdcage (1996), Hackman’s performances left a lasting impact on cinema.
Hackman largely retired from acting in 2004, settling into a quiet life in New Mexico, where he pursued writing and painting. His passing marks the end of an era for Hollywood and fans worldwide.
