Two-time Academy Award winner Gene Hackman and his wife, classical pianist Betsy Arakawa, were found dead in their Santa Fe Summit home in Santa Fe, New Mexico, on Wednesday afternoon.
Santa Fe County Sheriff Adan Mendoza confirmed that the couple and their dog were discovered deceased, with no signs of foul play. However, he did not disclose a cause of death or provide details on when they may have passed.
Hackman and Arakawa had been married since 1991. The actor had celebrated his 95th birthday in late January, though a public appearance last year raised concerns among fans due to his frail condition.
Over the course of four remarkable decades in Hollywood, Hackman built an extraordinary career, quietly stepping away from acting in the late 2000s. During a 2004 interview with Larry King, he hinted that he had no future projects planned.
Throughout his career, Hackman starred in more than 70 films, earning numerous accolades. He won the Academy Award for Best Actor for his performance in The French Connection and later received the Oscar for Best Supporting Actor for his role as Little Bill Daggett in Clint Eastwood’s Unforgiven.
In 2009, Hackman revealed that his decision to retire stemmed from a stress test that raised concerns among his doctors.
“The final straw was actually a stress test I took in New York,” he told Empire. “The doctor warned me that my heart wasn’t in the condition to handle any additional stress.”
After leaving Hollywood, Hackman shifted his focus to quieter pastimes such as painting, fishing, and writing.
Speaking about his writing, he once shared, “It’s very relaxing for me. I don’t see myself as a great writer, but I truly enjoy the process.”
He added, “It’s something you can control—you’re alone, working at your own pace, unlike being on a set with 90 people waiting for you.”
Hackman is survived by his three children, Christopher, Elizabeth Jean, and Leslie Anne, from his marriage to his late ex-wife, Faye Maltese.
Our deepest condolences go out to the family and loved ones of Gene Hackman and Betsy Arakawa.