- Gene Hackman, 95, and wife Betsy found dead at New Mexico home
- Hackman won 2 Oscars for "The French Connection" and "Unforgiven"
- Investigation underway, but foul play not suspected
Oscar-winning actor Gene Hackman, along with his wife Betsy Arakawa and their dog, have been found dead at their home in Santa Fe, New Mexico. Hackman, renowned for his six-decade career in Hollywood, was 95 years old, while his wife, a classical pianist, was 63.
The Santa Fe County Sheriff’s Department confirmed the discovery on Wednesday afternoon, stating, “We can confirm that both Gene Hackman and his wife were found deceased Wednesday afternoon at their residence on Sunset Trail.” The statement also noted that this is an ongoing investigation, but emphasized that there is currently no evidence suggesting foul play.
Gene Hackman, celebrated for his roles in iconic films, won two Academy Awards during his illustrious career. His first Oscar came in 1971 for Best Actor for his portrayal of Jimmy “Popeye” Doyle in The French Connection, and his second was awarded for Best Supporting Actor for his role as Little Bill Daggett in Clint Eastwood’s 1992 Western Unforgiven.
Hackman’s career spanned many decades, earning multiple Oscar nominations. His early recognition came for his role as Buck Barrow in Bonnie and Clyde (1967) alongside Warren Beatty and Faye Dunaway, which earned him his first nomination for Best Supporting Actor. Another nomination came in 1970 for I Never Sang for My Father, and he received a Best Actor nomination in 1988 for his performance in Mississippi Burning.
The Santa Fe County Sheriff’s Office provided further details of the discovery, stating, “On 26 February, 2025, at approximately 1:45pm, Santa Fe County Sheriff’s deputies were dispatched to an address on Old Sunset Trail in Hyde Park where Gene Hackman, his wife Betsy Arakawa, and a dog were found deceased.”
The investigation into the circumstances surrounding their deaths is ongoing, but no foul play has been suspected at this time.
