Legendary Hollywood actor Gene Hackman and his wife, classical pianist Betsy Arakawa, were discovered deceased in their Santa Fe Summit home in New Mexico on Wednesday afternoon. Authorities have stated that there are no signs of foul play.
Santa Fe County Sheriff Adan Mendoza confirmed the tragic news but did not disclose the couple’s cause of death or speculate on how long they had been deceased before being found. Their beloved dog was also found lifeless alongside them.
Hackman, who turned 95 in January, and Arakawa had been married for over three decades, having tied the knot in 1991. The actor, widely regarded as one of the greatest performers of his generation, had retreated from public life in recent years. His last known public appearance had left some fans concerned about his frail health.
Spanning an illustrious 40-year career, Hackman built a formidable legacy in Hollywood. His filmography boasts more than 70 films, with some of his most acclaimed performances earning him prestigious awards. He secured two Academy Awards—one for Best Actor in The French Connection and another for Best Supporting Actor in Unforgiven, Clint Eastwood’s celebrated Western.
The veteran actor bid farewell to Hollywood in the mid-2000s, stepping away from the limelight to focus on a quieter life. During a 2004 interview with Larry King, he hinted at his retirement, noting that he had no upcoming projects. In 2009, he elaborated on his decision, revealing that a health scare led him to rethink his career.
“A stress test in New York was the turning point,” Hackman told Empire Magazine. “Doctors advised me that my heart wasn’t in the condition it needed to be for the demands of acting.”
After leaving the film industry, Hackman dedicated his time to painting, fishing, and writing. Writing, in particular, became a passion for him.
“It’s something I find incredibly relaxing,” he once said. “I wouldn’t call myself a great writer, but I enjoy the process immensely. Unlike acting, it’s a solitary activity—you’re not under pressure to perform in front of a cast and crew.”
Hackman is survived by his three children—Christopher, Elizabeth Jean, and Leslie Anne—whom he shared with his late first wife, Faye Maltese.
The loss of Gene Hackman and Betsy Arakawa is a profound one. Our deepest condolences go out to their family and loved ones during this difficult time.