Legendary Actor Gene Hackman, Wife Betsy Arakawa, Found Dead in New Mexico
Oscar-winning actor Gene Hackman and his wife, Betsy Arakawa, were discovered deceased at their home in Santa Fe, New Mexico, on Wednesday, February 26. Hackman was 95 years old, while Arakawa was 63.
"On February 26, 2025, at around 1:45 p.m., Santa Fe County Sheriff's deputies responded to a call on Old Sunset Trail," stated the Sheriff’s Office in a message to Us Weekly. "Both Gene Hackman, 95, and his wife Betsy Arakawa, 64, along with a dog, were found dead. Foul play is not suspected now, but the exact cause of death is still undetermined. This case remains an active investigation," the statement continued.
The Santa Fe New Mexican first reported this news shortly after midnight local time on Thursday. The report received confirmation from Sheriff Adan Mendoza. ABC News additionally indicated that Hackman and Arakawa, a classical pianist, were discovered dead during a welfare check. This check followed concerns raised by a neighbor about their well-being.
Throughout his career, Hackman earned numerous accolades for memorable roles in films such as "The French Connection" and "Unforgiven," before pulling away from public life.
Born in San Bernardino, California, in January 1930, Hackman served in the Marines for five years. He later studied at the University of Illinois, but left to pursue acting at Pasadena Playhouse in California. Hackman performed in New York theater and made his Broadway debut in the 1964 play "Any Wednesday." This performance paved the way for his film debut in *Lilith* later that same year.
As his film career blossomed, Hackman received Academy Award nominations for "Bonnie and Clyde" (1967) and "I Never Sang for My Father" (1970). He secured his first Oscar for playing detective Popeye Doyle in "The French Connection" (1971). Hackman became a highly sought-after leading man, starring in films like "Night Moves" (1975), "Reds" (1981), "Hoosiers" (1986), "No Way Out" (1987), and "Mississippi Burning" (1988), which earned him another Oscar nomination. His versatility was further showcased with roles in "Young Frankenstein" (1974) and "Superman" (1978).
Hackman won a second Academy Award for his portrayal of Little Bill Daggett in Clint Eastwood's "Unforgiven" (1992). His impressive resume includes performances in "Get Shorty" (1995), "Enemy of the State" (1998), "The Royal Tenenbaums" (2001), "Runaway Jury" (2003), and "Welcome to Mooseport" (2004).
In a rare interview in 2004, Hackman announced he had no future projects planned. Four years later, he confirmed his retirement from acting, commenting that he would only return under special circumstances. "I don’t know. If I could do it in my own house, maybe, without disturbance and just one or two people," he mentioned in a 2008 GQ interview.
In a 2020 discussion with Empire, Hackman further explained his withdrawal from acting. "The straw that broke the camel's back was a stress test I took in New York," he revealed. "The doctor told me that my heart wasn't in good shape for added stress."
Hackman married Arakawa in 1991. He is survived by three children—Christopher, Elizabeth, and Leslie—from his previous marriage to Faye Maltese.
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