Oscar-winning actor Gene Hackman and his wife, Betsy Arakawa, were discovered dead in their Santa Fe home, according to the Santa Fe County Sheriff’s Office. Hackman was 95.
Authorities responded to a welfare check at the residence around 1:45 p.m. on Wednesday, where they found the couple deceased, along with their dog. Foul play is not suspected, but an investigation remains ongoing. The gas company has been called in to assist, as reported by The Associated Press.
According to Santa Fe County Sheriff’s Office spokesperson Denise Womack-Avila, the cause of death is yet to be determined.
Advertisement Medical examiner’s reports generally take anywhere from four to six weeks to generate.
said Chris Ramirez, spokesperson for the New Mexico medical investigator’s office.
Concerns From a Neighbor Led to Discovery
The welfare check was initiated after a concerned neighbor alerted authorities about the couple’s well-being, according to CNN affiliate KOAT.
Reports indicate that Hackman’s body was found in a mudroom, while Arakawa was discovered in a bathroom near a space heater. A prescription bottle and scattered pills were also found nearby. The search warrant suggests they had been dead for some time and were in separate rooms.
A Legendary Career Remembered
Hackman, a Hollywood icon, won two Academy Awards for his performances in The French Connection (1971) and Unforgiven (1992). His career spanned decades, with memorable roles in Hoosiers, The Conversation, The Firm, and The Royal Tenenbaums.
Known for his ability to portray complex and authoritative figures, Hackman brought depth to both leading roles and villainous characters. He famously played Lex Luthor in the Superman franchise and earned acclaim for portraying ruthless figures like Little Bill Daggett in Unforgiven.
His performance as Popeye Doyle in The French Connection remains one of cinema’s most celebrated portrayals of a gritty, determined detective.
Tributes Pour In for the Hollywood Legend
Filmmaker Francis Ford Coppola, who directed Hackman in The Conversation, shared his grief, stating:
“The loss of a great artist is always cause for both mourning and celebration.”
Actor George Takei called Hackman “one of the true giants of the screen”, adding:
“Gene Hackman could play anyone, and you could feel a whole life behind it. He will be missed, but his work will live on forever.”
Life After Hollywood
Hackman retired from acting in 2004, following his final film Welcome to Mooseport. He later shifted his focus to writing novels and enjoying a quiet life in Santa Fe, where he lived with Arakawa.
The actor is survived by his three children from his previous marriage to Fay Maltese, who passed away in 2017.
Hackman’s passing comes just days before the Academy Awards, where his contributions to the industry will undoubtedly be remembered.
Source: CNN