Hollywood icon Gene Hackman and his wife, Betsy Arakawa, have been found dead in their New Mexico home, prompting an investigation by local authorities. The Santa Fe County Sheriff’s Office reported that deputies conducted a welfare check on Wednesday at approximately 1:45 PM after concerns arose about the couple’s well-being.
Hackman, 95, and Arakawa, 63, appeared to have been deceased for some time when their bodies were discovered, alongside one of their pet dogs. According to authorities, Hackman’s body was located in a mudroom, while Arakawa was found in a bathroom next to a heater. Notably, scattered pills and an open prescription bottle were found nearby.
Sheriff’s spokesperson Denise Avila indicated that there were no visible signs of foul play, injury, or forced entry, as the door to the residence was found ajar. A German Shepherd was also discovered dead in a bathroom closet, while two other healthy dogs were on the property at the time.
Authorities classified the circumstances surrounding the couple’s deaths as “suspicious enough to require a thorough investigation.” Hackman’s daughter, Elizabeth Jean Hackman, suggested that carbon monoxide poisoning could be a potential cause; however, utility company tests on the gas lines revealed no issues.
While the sheriff’s office stated it does not believe foul play was involved, the exact cause of death remains undetermined. Hackman’s daughters, Elizabeth and Leslie, along with granddaughter Annie, expressed their profound sadness in a statement, remembering him as a beloved father and grandfather beyond his iconic acting career.
Gene Hackman earned two Academy Awards: one for his leading role in the 1971 film The French Connection and another for Best Supporting Actor in Clint Eastwood’s Unforgiven (1992). He gained fame for portraying Lex Luthor in the 1978 Superman films and starred in several critical works, including The Conversation and Mississippi Burning.
His career spanned over 80 films, with notable performances including Captain Frank Ramsey in Crimson Tide and his role as an eccentric patriarch in Wes Anderson’s The Royal Tenenbaums. After retiring from acting following his last appearance in the 2004 film Welcome to Mooseport, Hackman took to co-writing adventure novels.
Michael Caine honored Hackman as “one of the greatest actors” during a 2003 award ceremony. Betsy Arakawa was a classical pianist, and the couple married in 1991, residing near Santa Fe, New Mexico. Tributes poured in following the news of Hackman’s passing, with fellow actors and fans reflecting on his immense talent and contribution to cinema.
George Takei remarked on social media about Hackman’s versatility, stating, “Gene Hackman could play anyone, and you could feel a whole life behind it.” Comedian Dara O Briain called him “the finest screen actor ever.” StudioCanal described Hackman’s death as “a colossal loss for cinema” in a public tribute.
Credit: Sky News
