Hollywood legend Gene Hackman, known for his roles in The French Connection and Unforgiven, was found dead at his home in Santa Fe on Wednesday afternoon, along with his wife, Betsy Arakawa, and their dog. Authorities have not found any signs of foul play, though investigations are ongoing.
Santa Fe County Sheriff Adan Mendoza confirmed the deaths, stating that deputies responded to a welfare check call at approximately 1:45 p.m. local time. “At this time, we do not suspect any criminal activity, but we are conducting a thorough investigation to determine the circumstances of their deaths,” Mendoza said.
Hollywood Mourns the Loss of a Screen Icon
Hackman, 95, was one of the most revered actors of his generation. A two-time Academy Award winner, he rose to prominence with Bonnie and Clyde (1967) and won his first Oscar for Best Actor in The French Connection (1971). His powerful performances in The Conversation (1974), Mississippi Burning (1988), and Unforgiven (1992) cemented his status as one of the industry’s finest talents. He also played the iconic role of Lex Luthor in Superman (1978) and its sequel Superman II (1980).
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The actor retired from Hollywood after his final on-screen role in Welcome to Mooseport (2004), later confirming in a 2008 interview that he had stepped away from acting for good. He then focused on a successful career as a novelist.
Hackman’s Personal Life and Legacy
Hackman was first married to Faye Maltese, with whom he had three children—Christopher, Elizabeth, and Leslie. The couple divorced in 1986. He later married pianist Betsy Arakawa in 1991, and the two lived a quiet life in Santa Fe. The couple did not have children together.
Hollywood and fans worldwide are mourning the loss of the veteran actor, with tributes pouring in from celebrities and film enthusiasts alike. The Santa Fe County Sheriff’s Office has assured the public that further details regarding their deaths will be released once the investigation concludes.
