Legendary actor Gene Hackman and his wife, Betsy Arakawa, were found dead at their residence in Santa Fe, New Mexico. Authorities confirmed the discovery on Wednesday afternoon, alongside their deceased pet dog. Hackman was 95, and Arakawa, a classical pianist, was 63.
The Santa Fe County Sheriff’s Office issued a statement confirming the tragic news, stating that while an investigation is ongoing, there is no initial indication of foul play.
With a career spanning more than six decades, Hackman was one of Hollywood’s most revered actors, known for his powerful performances across various genres. He won two Academy Awards—Best Actor for his portrayal of tough New York detective Jimmy “Popeye” Doyle in The French Connection (1971) and Best Supporting Actor for his role as the ruthless sheriff Little Bill Daggett in Unforgiven (1992). His other notable performances included Bonnie and Clyde (1967), The Conversation (1974), Superman (1978), Mississippi Burning (1988), and The Royal Tenenbaums (2001).
The film industry was quick to pay tribute to the late actor. Director Francis Ford Coppola, who worked with Hackman on The Conversation, described him as “a great artist, inspiring and magnificent in his work and complexity.” George Takei honored him as “one of the true giants of the screen,” while Superman co-star Valerie Perrine called him “a genius” and “one of the greatest to grace the silver screen.”
Born in California in 1930, Hackman’s path to Hollywood was far from conventional. After serving in the U.S. Marine Corps, he pursued acting in New York and became close friends with Dustin Hoffman. His breakthrough came in Bonnie and Clyde, where he played Buck Barrow alongside Warren Beatty and Faye Dunaway. From there, he became one of Hollywood’s most dependable leading men, seamlessly transitioning from action-packed dramas to character-driven stories and even comedies like The Birdcage (1996).
Hackman retired from acting after his role in Welcome to Mooseport (2004), choosing a quieter life in New Mexico with his wife. In a 2008 interview, he confirmed he was stepping away from the industry, saying, “I really don’t want to do it any longer.” Instead, he turned to writing, publishing several novels in his later years.
Despite shunning the limelight in his final decades, Hackman’s influence on cinema remains profound. His performances, filled with raw intensity and authenticity, solidified his status as one of the greatest actors of his generation. His passing marks the end of an era, but his legacy will endure through the unforgettable characters he brought to life on screen.