Gina Heslop
Gene Hackman, the legendary Hollywood actor and two-time Oscar winner, was found dead alongside his wife, Betsy Arakawa, in their Santa Fe home.
The couple had been married since 1991 and lived in a luxurious $3.8 million house in New Mexico. Their bodies were discovered on Wednesday morning, but authorities have not yet determined the exact time of their passing. Their pet dog was also found inside the home.
The Santa Fe County Sheriff’s Office, led by Adan Mendoza, confirmed that there were no signs of foul play. However, a full investigation is still underway, and officials are awaiting approval for a search warrant. “We are in the middle of a preliminary death investigation,” Mendoza said.
He also reassured the public that there was no immediate danger to the neighborhood. The cause of death has not yet been determined, and authorities are waiting for more information before making further statements.
Gene Hackman was widely regarded as one of the greatest actors of his generation. He starred in over 70 films throughout his career, playing a variety of roles across different genres, including drama, action, and comedy.
He won two Academy Awards—Best Actor for The French Connection (1971) and Best Supporting Actor for Unforgiven (1992). He was known for his versatility, effortlessly portraying heroes, villains, and complex characters with remarkable depth.
Despite his immense success, Hackman retired from acting nearly 20 years ago. In a 2009 interview with Empire magazine, he revealed that his decision to step away from Hollywood was due to health concerns.
A stress test in New York had indicated that his heart was not in good condition, and his doctor advised him to avoid unnecessary stress. Following his retirement, Hackman devoted his time to painting, fishing, and writing.
Though he largely stayed out of the public eye in his later years, a rare photo of him and his wife surfaced online in March 2024, showing the couple enjoying their time together. News of their passing has led to an outpouring of tributes from fans and fellow actors.
George Takei, known for his role in Star Trek, honored Hackman on social media, calling him “one of the true giants of the screen.”
He praised Hackman’s ability to bring characters to life, describing him as an actor who could be both “a towering presence or an everyday Joe.” Takei concluded his tribute by saying, “He will be missed, but his work will live on forever.”
At the time of their passing, Gene Hackman was 95 years old, while his wife, Betsy Arakawa, was 63. Their deaths mark the end of an era for Hollywood, but Hackman’s legendary performances will continue to be celebrated for generations to come.
