Legendary Hollywood actor Gene Hackman and his wife, Betsy Arakawa, were found dead in their Santa Fe, New Mexico, residence on Wednesday morning. Local police have confirmed their deaths and reported that no foul play is suspected. Their dog was also discovered dead with them.
Santa Fe County Sheriff Adan Mendoza identified the couple but refused to say how they died. Authorities have yet to determine when they died. Their home was visited by Sheriff’s deputies on Wednesday afternoon, but it is unknown if they were called to the residence for a welfare check or a report of death.
Gene Hackman has passed away at the age of 95.
Gene was one of the greatest actors of his, or anyone’s generation. He was a powerhouse, as adept at comedy as he was drama. Today is a very sad day, we’ve lost a legend. Gene was a giant of cinema.
R.I.P Gene Hackman pic.twitter.com/iL19ky4not— The Sting (@TheStingisBack) February 27, 2025
Mendoza said officials are “in the middle of a preliminary death investigation” and are “waiting on approval of a search warrant” before moving ahead.
Legendary Career and Private Life
Two-time Oscar-winning actor Gene Hackman had reached the age of 95 late in January. With a preference for leading a reclusive life, he retired from acting in 2004. He appeared in his last film, the political satire Welcome to Mooseport, where he portrayed Monroe ‘Eagle’ Cole.
Hackman gained international fame with his breakthrough performance in Bonnie and Clyde (1967). He next appeared in memorable movies like The French Connection, Superman, and Get Shorty, establishing him as one of the all-time greats of Hollywood. Hackman had more than 80 films to his credit, and stage and TV appearances, on his nearly four-decade acting career.
Though rumors existed that his retirement was brought about by his marriage, Hackman had earlier indicated that he quit acting because of the intense stress and cardiovascular-related health complications.
Hackman’s Personal Life
Hackman was twice wed, most recently to 63-year-old classical pianist Betsy Arakawa. They had married in 1991 and lived an unobtrusive life in New Mexico away from the celebrity spotlight. Hackman had three children from a previous marriage with Faye Maltese.
The reasons behind the killings are still the subject of official investigation. There are more to come, such as an official cause, when the investigation runs its course.
