Actor Gene Hackman and his wife were found dead with their dog at their home.
Oscar-winning actor Gene Hackman and his wife, classical pianist Betsy Arakawa, were discovered dead in their residence on Wednesday, along with their dog. Hackman was 95, while Arakawa was 63. Santa Fe County Sheriff Adan Mendoza confirmed their passing to the Santa Fe New Mexican on Thursday, noting that there were no immediate indications of foul play. The exact cause and time of death have yet to be determined.
“We can confirm that both Gene Hackman and his wife were found dead Wednesday afternoon at their residence on Sunset Trail. This is an active investigation – however, at this time we do not believe that foul play was a factor,” said Mr Mendoza, as quoted by BBC.
“All I can say is that we’re in the middle of a preliminary death investigation, waiting on approval of a search warrant,” he added.
Gene Hackman: A Hollywood Icon’s Remarkable Journey
Gene Hackman, a two-time Academy Award winner, was renowned for his remarkable versatility throughout a career that spanned more than six decades. He won his first Oscar for Best Actor for his portrayal of Detective Jimmy “Popeye” Doyle in The French Connection (1971) and later claimed a second Academy Award for Best Supporting Actor as the ruthless “Little” Bill Daggett in Unforgiven (1992). Whether embodying the devious Lex Luthor in Superman (1978) or the paranoid surveillance expert in The Conversation (1974), Hackman’s ability to inhabit a diverse range of characters solidified his status as one of Hollywood’s most compelling actors. He retired from acting in 2004 with Welcome to Mooseport being his final screen appearance
In 2011, he wrote Payback at Morning Peak in 2011 and Pursuit in 2013. Hackman has also co-written three historical fiction novels with undersea archaeologist Daniel Lenihan – Wake of the Perdido Star, Justice for None and Escape from Andersonville.
Gene Hackman was married twice and had three children. His first marriage to Faye Maltese lasted 30 years from 1956 to 86. Hackman married Arakawa in 1991. Before his film career, he had served in the United States Marine Corps for four years from 1947-51.
