Gene Hackman, the esteemed two-time Academy Award-winning actor, was found deceased alongside his wife, Betsy Arakawa, and their dog at their Santa Fe, New Mexico, residence on February 26, 2025. Hackman, aged 95, and Arakawa, 63, were discovered during a welfare check initiated by a concerned neighbor. Authorities have deemed the circumstances “suspicious,” prompting a thorough investigation.
Upon arrival, deputies found the home’s door unsecured and open. Arakawa’s body was located in the bathroom, accompanied by an open prescription bottle and scattered pills nearby. Hackman’s body was discovered in a separate room, fully clothed, with sunglasses adjacent. A deceased German Shepherd was also found approximately 10-15 feet from Arakawa, while two other dogs on the property were unharmed. Initial reports indicate no immediate signs of foul play, but the nature of the scene has led investigators to proceed with caution.
Hackman’s daughter, Elizabeth Jean, suggested that carbon monoxide poisoning might be the cause, though official determinations are pending. The Santa Fe County Sheriff’s Office has stated that the exact cause of death remains undetermined, and the investigation is ongoing.
Gene Hackman’s illustrious career spanned over six decades, earning him two Academy Awards: Best Actor for “The French Connection” (1971) and Best Supporting Actor for “Unforgiven” (1992). He was renowned for his versatility, portraying a wide range of characters that resonated with audiences worldwide. Hackman retired from acting in 2004, choosing a life of privacy thereafter.
Tributes have poured in from the entertainment industry. Clint Eastwood, who directed and starred alongside Hackman in “Unforgiven,” remarked, “There was no finer actor than Gene. Intense and instinctive. Never a false note.” Nathan Lane, Hackman’s co-star in “The Birdcage,” reflected on Hackman’s seamless performances, stating, “You could never catch him acting. Simple and true, thoughtful and soulful, with just a hint of danger.”
Hackman is survived by his three children from his first marriage to Faye Maltese. He and Arakawa, a classical pianist, had been married since 1991. The couple led a quiet life in Santa Fe, away from the public eye.
As the investigation continues, the film community and fans worldwide remember Gene Hackman not only for his remarkable contributions to cinema but also for his profound impact on the art of storytelling.
