Oscar-winning actor Gene Hackman, his wife Betsy Arakawa, and their beloved dog found de.ad at their home in Santa Fe, New Mexico.

According to The Guardian, the Santa Fe County Sheriff's Office reported that Gene Hackman and his wife, classical pianist Betsy Arakawa, were found deceased at their home in Santa Fe, New Mexico, alongside their pet dog.

Gene Hackman was 95 years old, while Betsy Arakawa was 63. Authorities found no signs of foul play, but the cause of de.ath has yet to be disclosed.

Mr. Gene Hackman and his wife - artist Betsy Arakawa - on Santa Fe street in March 2024. Photo: Splash News

Gene Hackman’s Career Spanning Over 60 Years

Gene Hackman was one of Hollywood’s most legendary actors, with a career spanning more than six decades. He won two Academy Awards, two BAFTA Awards, four Golden Globe Awards, and a Screen Actors Guild (SAG) Award.

His breakthrough Oscar-winning role came as Detective Jimmy "Popeye" Doyle in William Friedkin’s The French Connection (1971).
In 1992, he won his second Oscar for his role as Little Bill Daggett in Clint Eastwood’s Western film Unforgiven.

Gene Hackman plays Jimmy "Popeye" Doyle in "The French Connection". Photo: 20thcentury Fox

He also received Oscar nominations for his performances in Bonnie and Clyde (1967), I Never Sang for My Father (1970), and Mississippi Burning (1988).

Hackman became a familiar face to audiences worldwide with his portrayal of Lex Luthor, the brilliant yet charismatic villain in Superman, during the 1970s and 1980s.
His depiction of Luthor was both humorous and menacing, showcasing his ability to effortlessly transition between different film genres.

Some of his other notable films include The Conversation, Runaway Jury, and The Royal Tenenbaums.

With a deep, captivating voice and expressive body language, Hackman had a unique ability to bring his characters to life—not just through dialogue, but also through subtle expressions and gestures.

His final film appearance was in the 2004 comedy Welcome to Mooseport, after which he officially retired from acting.

From Military Service to Hollywood Stardom

Born in 1930 in California, Hackman joined the military at 16 by lying about his age. He served in the U.S. Navy for four and a half years before pursuing his passion for acting.

After leaving the military, he studied acting at Pasadena Playhouse in California, where he befriended fellow aspiring actor Dustin Hoffman, who would also go on to become a Hollywood icon.

Hackman once admitted:

“I was trained to be an actor, not a star. I was taught to embody characters, not to deal with fame, legal troubles, or the media.”

Even after stepping away from Hollywood, Hackman continued to explore his creative talents through writing and voice acting. He authored several historical and thriller novels, with his last book, Pursuit, published in 2011.

Hackman and Betsy Arakawa had been married since 1991 and relocated to New Mexico in 2004. Their pas.sing has left a profound sense of loss among fans and the global film community.