According to authorities, Oscar-winning actor Gene Hackman, his wife, and their dog were discovered dead in their New Mexico home on Thursday.
Although foul play was not suspected, authorities stated that an investigation was still underway but did not disclose the circumstances of their deaths.
When deputies arrived at their residence at 1:45 p.m. to check on the welfare of Hackman, 95, Betsy Arakawa, 63, and their dog, they found them all dead. Spokesman Denise Avila of the Santa Fe County Sheriff’s Office stated on Wednesday.
From the 1960s until his retirement in the early 2000s, the sour-faced but adored Hackman played villains, heroes, and antiheroes in dozens of dramas, comedies, and action movies. He was one of the best actors of his generation.
Five times nominated for an Oscar, he took home the honors for “The French Connection” in 1972 and “Unforgiven” twenty years later. Four days prior to this year’s ceremony, he passed away.
According to a 1989 New York Times article, Hackman met Arakawa, a Hawaiian-born pianist with classical training, while she was working part-time at a gym in California in the middle of the 1980s. They quickly moved in together and purchased their Santa Fe home by the end of the decade.
Perched on a slope overlooking the Rocky Mountains, the expansive Southwestern-style ranch is part of a gated enclave outside the capital city of New Mexico.
According to the local newspaper, The New Mexican, Hackman was a board member of the Georgia O’Keeffe Museum in the 1990s and was frequently spotted around town.
He retired over 20 years ago, and aside from attending award events, he was seldom ever spotted on the Hollywood social scene. His was one of the few Hollywood retirements that lasted.
He wrote novels in his senior years.
Hackman and Arakawa were childless together, but Hackman had three children from a previous marriage. The Baltimore Sun reported in 1999 that they had adopted three German shepherds.
“We enjoy the straightforward plots that some of the smaller, less expensive movies are able to tell,” he stated.
Early on Thursday, his publicist did not immediately respond to an email.
Gene Hackman, Legendary Actor of “The French Connection” and “Unforgiven,” Dies at 95 in Santa Fe
Santa Fe, New Mexico (February 27, 2025)– The entertainment world is mourning the loss of the legendary actor Gene Hackman, best known for his iconic roles in films like The French Connection, Unforgiven and Mississippi Burning. Hackman, who captivated audiences for over five decades with his intense performances, was found dead at his Santa Fe, New Mexico home, along with his wife Betsy Arakawa and their beloved dog.
Authorities confirmed the tragic news, with initial reports suggesting that the cause of death was carbon monoxide poisoning. It is believed that a malfunctioning appliance in their Santa Fe residence may have led to the tragic incident. Hackman, 95, had been living a relatively private life in Santa Fe since his retirement from acting in 2004. The actor’s sudden death has left fans, friends, and family reeling, as tributes pour in from across the globe.
Gene Hackman’s storied career spanned across multiple decades, with memorable roles in films like *The Royal Tenenbaums*, where he played the eccentric family patriarch, and *Hoosiers*, in which he portrayed the passionate basketball coach Norman Dale. A two-time Academy Award winner, Hackman was also widely recognized for his portrayal of the menacing Lex Luthor in *Superman* (1978).
Born in 1930 in San Bernardino, California, Hackman was nominated for nine Academy Awards and earned countless accolades over his career. But it wasn’t just his talent that made him beloved by fans and peers alike – his down-to-earth personality and dedication to his craft endeared him to those who worked alongside him. His performance in *The French Connection* (1971) cemented his place in cinematic history, earning him an Academy Award for Best Actor for his portrayal of Detective “Popeye” Doyle.
The End of an Era
Hackman had largely stepped away from the spotlight in recent years, with his last film role in *Welcome to Mooseport* in 2004. Many wondered about his life after acting, and the last public images of Hackman were of him enjoying life in Santa Fe with his wife and their dog. His fans were thrilled to see the actor living out his golden years in the quiet surroundings of New Mexico, far from Hollywood‘s glare.
While rumors of his death had been circulating for years, this tragic confirmation has left many in disbelief. Hackman’s death also prompted many fans to search for details about his life and career, revisiting films like *Mississippi Burning*, *The Royal Tenenbaums*, and *Unforgiven*.
Hackman’s Family Life
Hackman’s wife, Betsy Arakawa, a former real estate agent and public relations specialist, was known for her quiet support of her husband during his retirement. The couple, married for over 30 years, had been a fixture of Santa Fe’s tight-knit community. Hackman’s surviving children from his first marriage, Christopher Allen Hackman and Elizabeth Hackman, have not yet publicly commented on the tragedy.
While Hackman’s career may have ended years ago, his impact on film will be felt for generations. His remarkable talent and commitment to his craft are what made him a living legend. Fans and colleagues alike continue to reflect on his extensive filmography, remembering him as one of Hollywood’s finest.
A Lasting Legacy
Hackman leaves behind a legacy that includes not only his incredible filmography but also his unwavering commitment to portraying complex, deeply human characters. From *The French Connection* to his turn as the charismatic, ruthless villain Lex Luthor, Hackman’s talent knew no bounds. He was a fixture in American cinema, and his death marks the end of an era for Hollywood.
As tributes pour in from his co-stars, friends, and fans, many are reflecting on his best work – The French Connection, *Hoosiers*, *Unforgiven*, and his iconic performance as the villain in Superman. Gene Hackman may be gone, but his legacy in film will forever remain, from Santa Fe to Hollywood, and beyond.
End of an Icon
Gene Hackman’s family has yet to release a statement regarding the cause of death, but as the investigation into the tragedy continues, fans around the world are remembering the actor for his incredible contributions to the world of film. Hackman’s passing has left an undeniable void, but his immense contributions will continue to inspire filmmakers and actors alike for years to come.
As the world reflects on his death, many are asking the question: What happened to Gene Hackman? The answer is simple: Hackman lived a life filled with incredible achievements, and his death marks the loss of one of Hollywood’s finest.
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