Gene Hackman, the esteemed actor renowned for his roles in “The French Connection” and “Unforgiven,” was discovered deceased alongside his wife, Betsy Arakawa, and their dog in their Santa Fe, New Mexico residence on Wednesday afternoon. Hackman was 95 years old; Arakawa was 64. Authorities have stated that foul play is not suspected, though the exact cause of death remains under investigation.
Born on January 30, 1930, in San Bernardino, California, Hackman served in the U.S. Marine Corps before pursuing a career in acting. His breakthrough came with the 1967 film “Bonnie and Clyde,” earning him an Academy Award nomination. He secured his first Oscar for Best Actor with “The French Connection” (1971) and later won Best Supporting Actor for “Unforgiven” (1992). Hackman’s versatile career spanned over six decades, featuring notable films such as “The Conversation,” “Superman,” and “The Royal Tenenbaums.”
Hackman married Betsy Arakawa, a classical pianist, in 1991. The couple resided in Santa Fe, where they led a private life away from the Hollywood spotlight. Hackman retired from acting in 2004, focusing on writing and other personal interests. He is survived by his three children from his first marriage to Faye Maltese.
The Santa Fe County Sheriff’s Office continues to investigate the circumstances surrounding their deaths. Sheriff Adan Mendoza stated that while no foul play is suspected, authorities are working to determine the exact cause.
