Oscar-winning actor Gene Hackman and his wife, Betsy Arakawa, have been found dead at their home in Santa Fe, New Mexico. Hackman was 95. The Santa Fe County Sheriff’s Office confirmed the deaths to CNN on Thursday.
Deputies conducted a welfare check at the couple’s residence around 1:45 p.m. on Wednesday and discovered both Hackman and Arakawa, along with their dog, deceased. While the cause of death has not been officially determined, authorities do not suspect foul play, according to the Sheriff’s Office spokesperson Denise Womack-Avila. An investigation is ongoing.
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Gene Hackman, renowned for his powerful and versatile performances, left an indelible mark on cinema. His roles in iconic films such as “The French Connection,” “Hoosiers,” “Unforgiven,” and “The Firm” showcased his ability to elevate character roles to leading-man status. He was known for portraying complex authority figures and memorable villains, including the legendary Lex Luthor in the “Superman” film series.
Hackman won his first Academy Award for Best Actor in 1971 for his portrayal of Detective Popeye Doyle in “The French Connection.” He received his second Oscar for Best Supporting Actor in 1992 for his role as the ruthless sheriff Little Bill Daggett in Clint Eastwood’s “Unforgiven.”
The news of Hackman’s passing has prompted an outpouring of tributes from fellow celebrities and fans. Oscar-winning director Francis Ford Coppola, who worked with Hackman on “The Conversation,” shared his condolences on Threads, stating, “The loss of a great artist, always cause for both mourning and celebration.” He praised Hackman as “a great actor, inspiring and magnificent in his work and complexity.”
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Actor George Takei remembered Hackman as “one of the true giants of the screen,” highlighting his ability to portray a wide range of characters with depth and authenticity.
Before his illustrious acting career, Hackman served in the Marines and worked various odd jobs. He made his breakthrough in 1967 with “Bonnie and Clyde” and retired from acting at the age of 74. In recent decades, he lived a quiet life in Santa Fe with Arakawa, a former classical pianist.
Hackman is survived by his three children from his previous marriage to Faye Maltese, who passed away in 2017.
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