Gene Hackman, the iconic Hollywood actor, and his wife, Betsy Arakawa, were found deceased in their Santa Fe, New Mexico residence, according to local law enforcement. The bodies of Hackman, 95, a two-time Oscar recipient, and Arakawa, 63, a renowned classical pianist, were discovered on Wednesday afternoon, confirmed by Santa Fe County Sheriff Adan Mendoza.
Authorities have ruled out foul play in the couple’s death, but the exact cause remains undetermined. The investigation into their deaths is ongoing. Hackman, a celebrated actor, was known for his roles in “The French Connection,” “Bonnie and Clyde,” and “The Royal Tenenbaums.” His illustrious career earned him two Oscars, three Golden Globes, and the Cecil B. DeMille Award in 2003.
Born Eugene Hackman on January 30, 1930, in California, Hackman’s family moved frequently before settling in Danville, Illinois. He joined the Marines at 16, serving in China, Japan, and Hawaii for over four years. Afterward, he pursued a degree in journalism and television production at the University of Illinois. However, he left his studies to chase his acting dreams, enrolling at the Pasadena Playhouse in California at 27, where he met Dustin Hoffman.
Hackman’s acting career took off in 1964 when he landed a role in the Broadway production “Any Wednesday.” This led to a significant role in “Lilith” (1964) alongside Warren Beatty. Beatty later cast Hackman in the 1967 film “Bonnie and Clyde,” earning Hackman an Academy Award nomination for Best Supporting Actor. His performance in “The French Connection” in 1972 won him the Best Actor Oscar and solidified his status as a leading man.
Hackman’s career spanned several decades, featuring in films like “Young Frankenstein” (1974), “Superman” (1978), and “Unforgiven” (1992), which earned him another Oscar for Best Supporting Actor. He retired from acting in 2004, citing health concerns. In his retirement, Hackman turned to writing, co-authoring adventure novels such as “Justice For None” and “Wake of the Perdido Star” with his friend, underwater researcher Daniel Lenihan.
Hackman is survived by his three children, Christopher, Elizabeth Jean, and Leslie Anne, from his previous marriage to Faye Maltese, who passed away in 2017.