Oscar-winning actor Gene Hackman and his wife, Betsy Arakawa, were found dead in their Santa Fe, New Mexico, home on Wednesday, according to the Santa Fe County Sheriff's Office. Authorities say there is no immediate evidence of foul play, but an active investigation is underway to determine the cause of their deaths. Hackman was 95.
Deputies responded to a welfare check request at the couple's residence around 1:45 p.m. after a neighbor alerted authorities. Upon arrival, officers discovered the bodies of Hackman, Arakawa, 64, and their dog. Santa Fe County Sheriff Adan Mendoza confirmed the details early Thursday, stating, "Foul play is not suspected as a factor in those deaths at this time, however, the exact cause of death has not been determined."
Authorities formally identified the bodies at 12:30 a.m. on Thursday. The sheriff's office has not disclosed whether any medical conditions or environmental factors may have contributed to their deaths. An autopsy is expected to be conducted in the coming days.
Hackman, widely regarded as one of the greatest actors of his generation, won two Academy Awards for his performances in The French Connection (1971) and Unforgiven (1992). He was also a five-time Oscar nominee, known for his roles in Bonnie and Clyde, The Conversation, Hoosiers, and The Royal Tenenbaums. His portrayal of the villain Lex Luthor in the Superman film series cemented his status as a Hollywood icon.
Tributes poured in from across the entertainment industry as news of Hackman's passing spread. Oscar-winning director Francis Ford Coppola, who worked with Hackman on The Conversation, wrote on Threads: "The loss of a great artist, always cause for both mourning and celebration." Actor George Takei called Hackman "one of the true giants of the screen," adding, "He could be everyone and no one, a towering presence or an everyday Joe. He will be missed, but his work will live on forever."
Hackman largely retreated from public life after retiring from acting in 2004, settling in Santa Fe with Arakawa, a former classical pianist. The couple married in 1991 and remained together for over three decades.
In addition to his prolific film career, Hackman authored several novels, including Wake of the Perdido Star and Escape from Andersonville. He was known for his love of history and storytelling, passions he continued to pursue long after leaving Hollywood.
Hackman had three children from his first marriage to Faye Maltese, who passed away in 2017. His children-Christopher Allen Hackman, 63, Elizabeth Jean Hackman, 61, and Leslie Ann Hackman, 57-have not publicly commented on his death.
