Gene Hackman and his wife, Betsy Arakawa, have been found dead at their home in Santa Fe, New Mexico, along with their pet dog.
Law enforcement officials discovered the couple on Wednesday, February 26, 2025, at their residence on Sunset Trail. “We can confirm that both Gene Hackman and his wife were found deceased Wednesday afternoon at their residence on Sunset Trail,” Sheriff Adan Mendoza said in a statement, via the BBC.
He added that while the case remains “an active” investigation, authorities “do not believe that foul play was a factor.” No cause of death has been confirmed, with Sheriff Mendoza stating, “All I can say is that we’re in the middle of a preliminary death investigation, waiting on approval of a search warrant.”
Hackman, 95, was a towering figure in Hollywood, delivering iconic performances throughout his more than six-decade career. He won the Academy Award for Best Actor for his role as NYPD Detective Jimmy ‘Popeye’ Doyle in 1971’s The French Connection and later secured a Best Supporting Actor Oscar for his work as Sheriff Bill ‘Little Bill’ Daggett in Clint Eastwood’s 1992 film Unforgiven.
One of Hackman’s most famous portrayals was as Lex Luthor in Richard Donner’s 1978 Superman alongside Christopher Reeve, a role he reprised in 1980’s Superman II and 1987’s Superman IV: The Quest for Peace.
His extensive career also featured standout performances in Bonnie & Clyde (1967), The Birdcage (1996), and Enemy of the State (1998), before he retired following his final role in 2004’s Welcome to Mooseport as former U.S. President Monroe “Eagle” Cole, where he co-starred with Ray Romano.
Betsy Arakawa, 63, was a pianist and Hackman’s devoted partner for over three decades. The couple had embraced a quieter life in New Mexico away from Hollywood’s spotlight.
Further details are expected as the investigation continues. We will provide updates as more information becomes available.
