Movie star Gene Hackman and wife found dead together

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Gene Hackman, the celebrated Academy Award-winning actor, and his wife Betsy Arakawa were discovered deceased at their Santa Fe, New Mexico residence on Wednesday evening.

The Santa Fe County Sheriff’s office released a statement indicating: “We can confirm that both Gene Hackman and his wife were found deceased Wednesday afternoon at their residence on Sunset Trail. This is an active investigation – however, at this time we do not believe that foul play was a factor.”

The timing of this loss resonates particularly deeply within the entertainment industry, occurring mere days before this year’s Academy Awards ceremony.

Throughout his illustrious career spanning over 60 years, Hackman accumulated an impressive collection of accolades, including dual Academy Awards, two Baftas, four Golden Globes, and a Screen Actors Guild Award.

Gene Hackman has passed away at the age of 95.
Gene was one of the greatest actors of his, or anyone's generation. He was a powerhouse, as adept at comedy as he was drama. Today is a very sad day, we've lost a legend. Gene was a giant of cinema.
R.I.P Gene Hackman pic.twitter.com/iL19ky4not

— The Sting (@TheStingisBack) February 27, 2025

His first Oscar victory came for his portrayal of Jimmy “Popeye” Doyle in the 1971 thriller *The French Connection*, followed by a best supporting actor win for his role as Little Bill Daggett in Clint Eastwood’s 1992 Western *Unforgiven*. His exceptional talent earned him additional Oscar nominations for his performances in *Bonnie and Clyde* (1967), *I Never Sang for My Father* (1970), and *Mississippi Burning* (1988).

Before his acting career, Hackman served in the Marine Corps, enlisting at just 16 by misrepresenting his age in 1946. His military service included deployments to China, Hawaii, and Japan as a field radio operator.

Reflecting on his military service, he once remarked, “I have trouble with direction, because I have trouble with authority. I was not a good Marine.”

The veteran actor’s final on-screen appearance was in the 2004 political comedy *Welcome to Mooseport*. Speaking to Reuters about his retirement, he explained, “The business for me is very stressful. The compromises that you have to make in films are just part of the beast, and it had gotten to a point where I just didn’t feel like I wanted to do it any more.”

RIP Gene Hackman 1930-2025

Such a brilliant actor. pic.twitter.com/UNPdHvWubr

— I❤️Nostalgia '𝕏' (@il0venostalgia) February 27, 2025

His only post-retirement work involved narrating two Marine Corps historical documentaries a decade later.

Sheriff Adan Mendoza confirmed to local media that Hackman, 95, and his wife, 63, were found deceased along with their dog. The Press Association later verified this information.

Mendoza added, “All I can say is that we’re in the middle of a preliminary death investigation, waiting on approval of a search warrant.”

While the investigation continues, preliminary findings suggest no evidence of foul play in the deaths.