Legendary actor Gene Hackman and his wife Betsy Arakawa have tragically been found dead alongside their pet dog.
Hackman was a two-time Oscar, two-time Academy Award, two-time BAFTA Award, and four-time Golden Globes-winning actor with a six-decade career.
The 95-year-old starred in films such as The French Connection, Clint Eastwood’s Unforgiven, Bonnie and Clyde, and Mississippi Burning.
Considered one of the greats of his generation, Hackman performed in over 100 roles, spanning countless genres, and touched the lives of many through his acting.
Hackman’s 63-year-old wife, Arakawa, was a classical pianist and stepmother to the actor’s three children with Faye Maltese.
Following the devastating announcement of the couple’s passing, tributes have poured in on social media.
One fan wrote, “The word ‘legend’ was truly made for artists like him! One of the greatest actors of all time! Thank you for my favorite movie.”
Another shared, “One of the most talented and honest actors ever. RIP.”
A brilliant actor in Hollywood, a third commented. “RIP, Gene and wife.”
A fourth simply added, “Heartbreaking news. Rest in peace.”
Hackman gradually stepped away from the spotlight over the past two decades.
In a 2004 interview with Empire, he revealed that he had retired from acting due to health concerns.
He recalled, “The straw that broke the camel’s back was actually a stress test I took in New York.
The doctor advised me that my heart wasn’t in the kind of shape to handle any stress.”
At 95, Hackman had previously expressed his distaste for stardom.
In an interview with All About Actors, he shared, “I was trained to be an actor, not a star. I was trained to play roles, not to deal with fame, agents, lawyers, and the press.”
Hackman and his wife, Betsy Arakawa, whom he married in 1991, lived a quiet life in New Mexico.
After stepping away from Hollywood, he pursued writing, publishing several novels while embracing a more private lifestyle.
According to reports, authorities arrived at a gated community called Old Sunset Trail on Wednesday afternoon to investigate the deaths of two individuals and a dog.
It remains unclear whether they were responding to a welfare check or had been alerted that the couple was deceased.
The Santa Fe New Mexican reported that County Sheriff Adan Mendoza confirmed the couple’s passing just after midnight.
In a statement, the sheriff said, “We can confirm that both Gene Hackman and his wife were found deceased Wednesday afternoon at their residence on Sunset Trail.”
He added that an “active investigation” is underway, stating, “All I can say is that we’re in the middle of a preliminary death investigation, waiting on approval of a search warrant.”
Authorities noted that they do not suspect foul play.
Hackman is survived by his three children: Christopher, Elizabeth Jean, and Leslie Anne.
