Oscar-winning actor Gene Hackman and his wife, Betsy Arakawa, have been found dead in their residence in New Mexico, according to a statement from the Santa Fe County Sheriff’s Office. Hackman, renowned for his powerful performances in Hollywood classics, was 95 years old.
Authorities have yet to confirm the cause of death, though law enforcement does not suspect foul play at this time. Santa Fe County Sheriff’s Office spokesperson Denise Womack-Avila relayed the information to CNN on Thursday morning.
Deputies were dispatched to the couple’s home at approximately 1:45 p.m. on Wednesday following a request for a welfare check. Upon arrival, officers discovered Hackman, Arakawa, and their pet dog deceased, according to Womack-Avila. Law enforcement officials have launched an investigation into the matter, though details remain limited.
CNN has reached out to Hackman’s representatives for further comment.
Gene Hackman Career of Iconic Performances
Gene Hackman carved out a legendary career in Hollywood, transitioning from character roles to commanding lead performances in films that became cinematic benchmarks. His work in movies such as The French Connection, Hoosiers, Unforgiven, and The Firm solidified his reputation as a forceful and versatile actor.
Among his most memorable portrayals were figures of complex authority and cunning villains. One of his most recognized roles was that of Lex Luthor, the infamous antagonist in the Superman films of the 1970s and 1980s. His ability to bring an undercurrent of menace and intelligence to his performances made him a standout in each of his roles.
In 1971, Hackman won his first Academy Award for Best Actor for his portrayal of Popeye Doyle, a relentless New York City detective in The French Connection. The character’s unyielding pursuit of justice, often at a significant personal cost, became one of the defining roles of his career. Three years later, he delivered another standout performance in The Conversation (1974), portraying a surveillance expert so engrossed in his work that he loses all sense of perspective.
His second Oscar win came in 1992 when he took home the award for Best Supporting Actor for his role as Little Bill Daggett, the ruthless and violent sheriff in Clint Eastwood’s Unforgiven. The performance further solidified his reputation as a master of his craft.
A Life Before and Beyond Hollywood
Born in 1930, Hackman had a long and winding road to Hollywood success. Before achieving stardom, he served in the United States Marine Corps and spent years navigating life in California and New York. During this period, he worked a variety of jobs, including as a truck driver and a doorman, while pursuing his dream of acting.
His big break came at the age of 36 when he landed the role of Buck Barrow in Bonnie and Clyde (1967). Interestingly, he had originally auditioned for the part of Mr. Robinson in The Graduate but lost out on the role. During his early struggles in the industry, he even shared living quarters with Dustin Hoffman, who would later go on to star in The Graduate.
Hackman retired from acting in 2004 at the age of 74, opting for a quieter life away from the public spotlight. He settled in Santa Fe, New Mexico, where he lived with Arakawa, a former classical pianist. The couple remained largely private in their later years.
Gene Hackman Family and Legacy
Hackman is survived by his three children, whom he shared with his late ex-wife, Faye Maltese. Maltese passed away in 2017.
His death comes just days before the upcoming Academy Awards ceremony, an event that often celebrates the very performances that made Hackman a Hollywood legend. While he stepped away from acting two decades ago, his work remains deeply embedded in the fabric of American cinema.
Fans and colleagues alike will remember him not only for his remarkable talent but also for his ability to bring depth, nuance, and authenticity to every role he played.
