Oscar-winning actor Gene Hackman, his wife Betsy Arakawa, and their dog have been discovered deceased at their residence in Santa Fe, New Mexico.
Hackman, widely regarded as one of Hollywood’s greatest talents, had a career spanning over six decades, earning two Academy Awards for his performances in The French Connection and Unforgiven.
The Santa Fe County Sheriff’s Office confirmed the deaths, stating, “Gene Hackman and his wife were found deceased Wednesday afternoon at their home on Sunset Trail.
While the investigation remains ongoing, there is currently no indication of foul play.”
Hackman was 95, while Arakawa, a classical pianist, was 63.
A Storied Career in Film
Hackman’s first Oscar win came in 1971 when he portrayed tough New York detective Jimmy “Popeye” Doyle in The French Connection.
More than two decades later, in 1992, he won another Academy Award for his role as ruthless sheriff Little Bill Daggett in Clint Eastwood’s Unforgiven.
His talent was further recognised with Oscar nominations for Bonnie and Clyde (1967), I Never Sang for My Father (1970), and Mississippi Burning (1988).
Hackman’s versatility allowed him to take on a wide range of roles, including the iconic villain Lex Luthor in the Superman films of the 1970s and 1980s.
His extensive filmography includes Scarecrow (1973) alongside Al Pacino, Young Frankenstein (1974) with Gene Wilder, Reds (1981) opposite Warren Beatty and Diane Keaton, and later roles in Runaway Jury, The Royal Tenenbaums, and The Conversation.
ALSO READ: Limited Home Affordability for South Africans: Economist Weighs In
Tributes Pour in for a Hollywood Icon
Renowned director Francis Ford Coppola led the tributes, calling Hackman “a great artist” and praising his complexity as a performer.
Actress Valerie Perrine, who starred with him in Superman (1978), described him as “a genius” and one of the “greatest to grace the silver screen.”
Fellow actors, including Star Trek‘s George Takei, reflected on Hackman’s extraordinary range, stating, “He could play anyone and make you believe it.”
Bollywood star Anil Kapoor also honoured him, calling him “a true legend whose legacy will live on.”
Throughout his career, Hackman received numerous accolades, including two BAFTAs, four Golden Globe Awards, and a Screen Actors Guild Award.
In 1996, he showed his comedic side in The Birdcage, playing a conservative senator opposite Robin Williams and Nathan Lane.
After his final film role in Welcome to Mooseport (2004), Hackman retired from acting and embraced a quieter life in New Mexico.
His passing marks the end of an era for Hollywood, but his legendary performances will continue to captivate audiences for generations to come.
