Legendary actor Gene Hackman, his wife Betsy Arakawa, and their dog were found dead in their Santa Fe, New Mexico home. The Santa Fe County Sheriff’s Office confirmed the discovery after conducting a welfare check prompted by a concerned neighbor. Authorities have not released an official cause of death but stated that no foul play is suspected.
Hackman, 95, was a two-time Oscar winner, known for iconic roles in The French Connection, Unforgiven, and Superman. He retired from acting in 2004 after a five-decade career. His wife, Betsy Arakawa, 63, was a classical pianist. The couple had been married for 34 years.
Before his acting career, Hackman served in the Marines and later studied at the Pasadena Playhouse, where he befriended fellow aspiring actor Dustin Hoffman. He was previously married to Faye Maltese for 30 years before his marriage to Arakawa.
Fans and Hollywood figures have expressed condolences, mourning the loss of one of cinema’s most respected actors. Authorities are expected to release further details after an official investigation.
