Gene Hackman has been found dead, aged 95, in his Santa Fe home alongside his wife Betsy Arakawa, 63, and pet dog.
The actor was one of the best-loved stars in Hollywood, starring in classic films ranging from The French Connection and The Conversation to Superman.
He won Oscars for The French Connection and Clint Eastwood’s Unforgiven, and stepped away from the spotlight after The Royal Tenenbaums in 2001.
No foul play is suspected, according to the Santa Fe County Sheriff Adan Mendoza,
Mendoza told the Santa Fe New Mexican that the couple died around midnight on Thursday (27 February). The sheriff did not speculate on their cause of death.
“I want to assure the community and neighbourhood that there’s no immediate danger to anyone,” Mendoza said.
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Tribute: Gene Hackman: The brawling genius of film
Despite being voted ‘Least Likely to Succeed’ by his acting school classmates, Hackman became one of the greatest actors of our age, writes Martin Chilton.
Greg Evans27 February 2025 09:00
Gene Hackman and wife Betsy Arakawa found dead in their home in Santa Fe
Two-time Academy Award-winning actor Gene Hackman has been found dead in his home in Santa Fe alongside his wife Betsy Arakawa.
The couple’s dog was also found dead at the home.
According to the Santa Fe County Sheriff Adan Mendoza, no foul play is suspected.
Greg Evans27 February 2025 08:46
