Iconic two-time Oscar winner Gene Hackman and his wife, renowned classical pianist Betsy Arakawa, were discovered dead in their Santa Fe home on Wednesday afternoon, authorities confirmed.
Santa Fe County Sheriff Adan Mendoza reported that Hackman, Arakawa, and their dog were found deceased, with no signs of foul play. While the cause of death remains unclear, Mendoza did not provide additional details regarding the couple’s passing.
Hackman, 95, had been married to Arakawa since 1991. He recently marked his birthday in January, but a public appearance last year raised concerns among fans due to his visibly frail condition.
The legendary actor, whose career spanned over four decades, was celebrated for his outstanding performances in films such as The French Connection, for which he won the Academy Award for Best Actor, and Unforgiven, where he earned an Oscar for Best Supporting Actor. Hackman quietly retired from acting in the late 2000s, after hinting in a 2004 interview with Larry King that he had no upcoming projects lined up.
Over the course of his illustrious career, Hackman starred in more than 70 films, becoming one of Hollywood’s most respected talents. In 2009, he revealed that health concerns, particularly a stress test that alarmed his doctors, led him to step away from the spotlight.
“The stress test I took in New York was really the turning point,” Hackman explained in an interview with Empire. “The doctor told me my heart wasn’t in a condition to handle any more stress.”
After retiring, Hackman pursued more relaxing activities such as painting, fishing, and writing. “Writing is very relaxing for me. I don’t consider myself a great writer, but I love the process,” he shared. “It’s something you can manage by yourself, unlike acting, where you’re constantly surrounded by people waiting for you to entertain them.”
Hackman is survived by three children—Christopher, Elizabeth Jean, and Leslie Anne—from his previous marriage to Faye Maltese.
Our heartfelt condolences go out to the family and friends of Gene Hackman and Betsy Arakawa during this difficult time.