Academy Award-winning actor Gene Hackman and his wife, Betsy Arakawa, were found dead in their Santa Fe, New Mexico, home, according to authorities. A maintenance worker discovered their bodies and reported the incident to law enforcement on Wednesday. Hackman, 95, and Arakawa, 65, had reportedly been deceased for some time before being found. Investigators have stated that there is no suspicion of foul play, though the circumstances surrounding their deaths remain under investigation.
Authorities were alerted when the maintenance worker arrived at the couple’s home for routine work and noticed that the front door was open. Unable to gain entry, the worker called 911 after spotting Arakawa lying on the floor through a window. Sheriff Adan Mendoza later confirmed that multiple doors were found unlocked or open, allowing two of the couple’s surviving dogs to move freely in and out of the house. A deceased German shepherd was found inside a kennel near Arakawa’s body.
Hackman’s body was discovered in the entryway of the home, while Arakawa was found next to a space heater in a bathroom. Investigators conducted a thorough search, noting that while no gas leaks or carbon monoxide poisoning were immediately detected, further testing and autopsy results are pending to determine the exact cause of death.
Gene Hackman was one of Hollywood’s most revered actors, known for a career spanning over four decades. His filmography includes iconic roles such as Detective Jimmy “Popeye” Doyle in The French Connection, Coach Norman Dale in Hoosiers, and Lex Luthor in the Superman films. Hackman won two Academy Awards—Best Actor for The French Connection (1972) and Best Supporting Actor for Unforgiven (1992)—and was nominated for five Oscars in total.
Arakawa, a classically trained pianist, met Hackman in the mid-1980s while working at a California gym. They later moved to Santa Fe, where they resided in a Pueblo-style home known for its scenic views and artistic surroundings. Arakawa co-founded Pandora’s, a home décor business in Santa Fe, and continued to pursue her passion for music.
Tributes from Hollywood figures have poured in, with Clint Eastwood, Bill Murray, and Cary Elwes expressing their admiration for Hackman’s legacy. Hackman was known for his intense dedication to his craft and his ability to portray a wide range of characters with authenticity and depth.
As fans and colleagues mourn his passing, Gene Hackman’s contributions to film will undoubtedly endure as a testament to his extraordinary talent and influence on cinema.
