Gene Hackman, his wife and dog found dead in home under ‘suspicious’ circumstances; Details
6 mins
Oscar-winning actor Gene Hackman and his wife, Betsy Arakawa, were discovered deceased in their New Mexico residence, along with their dog. Hackman, a Hollywood legend, was 95.
Authorities have not yet confirmed the causes of death, though foul play is not suspected, spokesperson Denise Womack-Avila told CNN on Thursday.
Deputies responded to a welfare check request around 1:45 p.m. on Wednesday after a concerned neighbor contacted authorities.
Upon arrival, they found Hackman, Arakawa, and their dog dead inside the home. The sheriff’s office has stated that an investigation is ongoing.
The Office of the Medical Investigator in New Mexico indicated that determining the official cause of death could take four to six weeks, according to spokesperson Chris Ramirez.
Hollywood Icon’s Passing Comes Days Before the Academy Awards
Hackman’s death comes just days ahead of this year’s Academy Awards ceremony, a fitting moment to reflect on his storied career.
He was known for delivering powerhouse performances in films such as The French Connection, Hoosiers, Unforgiven, and The Firm, elevating supporting roles into commanding lead performances.
Frequently portraying complex authority figures or cunning villains, Hackman brought a unique depth to his characters. His chilling portrayal of Lex Luthor in the Superman film series of the 1970s and ’80s remains one of the most memorable depictions of the comic book villain.
Hackman won his first Academy Award for his portrayal of relentless New York detective Popeye Doyle in 1971’s The French Connection, a role that showcased his ability to bring grit and moral ambiguity to the screen.
He later won a second Oscar for his performance as the ruthless sheriff Little Bill Daggett in Clint Eastwood’s 1992 western Unforgiven.
Following the news of his passing, tributes from Hollywood luminaries and fans began pouring in across social media.
Director Francis Ford Coppola, who worked with Hackman on The Conversation, expressed both sorrow and admiration, writing:
“The loss of a great artist, always cause for both mourning and celebration.”
Actor George Takei also honored Hackman’s legacy, calling him “one of the true giants of the screen.”
“Gene Hackman could play anyone, and you could feel a whole life behind it. He could be everyone and no one, a towering presence or an everyday Joe,” Takei wrote. “He will be missed, but his work will live on forever.”
Hackman’s journey to stardom was not an overnight success. Born in 1930, he served in the U.S. Marines before struggling to make a living in California and New York.
During that time, he took odd jobs—including working as a truck driver and doorman—and even shared an apartment with Dustin Hoffman before either of them achieved fame.
His breakthrough role came at the age of 36 in the 1967 classic Bonnie and Clyde, where he played Buck Barrow, a performance that earned him his first Oscar nomination. Interestingly, he had previously lost the role of Mr. Robinson in The Graduate, a part that went to another rising star, Murray Hamilton.
Hackman officially retired from acting at 74, confirming to Larry King in 2004 that he had no plans to return to the screen. Instead, he spent his later years in Santa Fe with Arakawa, a former classical pianist, leading a private life away from Hollywood’s spotlight.
Hackman is survived by his three children from his previous marriage to Faye Maltese, who passed away in 2017. His contributions to cinema, spanning decades, remain an enduring testament to his unparalleled talent.
His passing marks the end of an era, but his legacy will live on through the unforgettable characters he brought to life on screen.
