Legendary Hollywood actor Gene Hackman and his wife, classical pianist Betsy Arakawa, were found dead in their Santa Fe, New Mexico home on Wednesday afternoon.
The Santa Fe County Sheriff’s Office confirmed their passing, along with their dog, though the cause of death has not yet been determined. Authorities have stated that no foul play is suspected.
Sheriff Adan Mendoza, in a statement issued early Thursday, assured the public that there is no immediate danger to the community.
Investigators are conducting a preliminary death investigation and awaiting the approval of a search warrant. It remains unclear whether deputies were responding to a welfare check or a reported emergency when they arrived at the couple’s home in the gated Santa Fe Summit community.
Gene Hackman, 95, was widely regarded as one of Hollywood’s greatest actors. Born in San Bernardino, California, on January 30, 1930, he built a remarkable career spanning more than four decades.
His unforgettable performances earned him two Academy Awards—Best Actor for “The French Connection” (1971) and Best Supporting Actor for “Unforgiven” (1992). He also starred in “Bonnie and Clyde” (1967), “Mississippi Burning” (1988), and the “Superman” films of the 1970s and 1980s, in which he played the iconic villain Lex Luthor.
Gene Hackman retired from acting in 2004 and spent his later years in Santa Fe, where he pursued writing and a quieter life. He married Arakawa in 1991 after his first marriage to Faye Maltese, with whom he had three children.
Tributes from Hollywood and beyond have poured in for the legendary actor, whose influence on cinema remains unparalleled.
