Oscar-Winning Actor Gene Hackman and Wife Found Dead in New Mexico Home

Legendary Hollywood actor Gene Hackman and his wife, Betsy Arakawa, were found dead at their home in Santa Fe, New Mexico, on Wednesday, February 26, 2025.

The Santa Fe County Sheriff’s Office confirmed the news, stating, “This is an active investigation—however, at this time we do not believe that foul play was a factor.” The couple’s dog was also found deceased at the residence. Hackman was 95, while Arakawa, a classical pianist, was 64.

In a six-decade career, Hackman became one of the most celebrated actors of his time, earning two Academy Awards, four Golden Globes, and two BAFTAs.

He won Best Actor for his iconic role as Jimmy “Popeye” Doyle in The French Connection (1971) and later secured Best Supporting Actor for playing Little Bill Daggett in Unforgiven (1992). His other Oscar-nominated performances included Bonnie and Clyde (1967), I Never Sang for My Father (1970), and Mississippi Burning (1988).

Hackman’s versatility allowed him to take on a wide range of characters, from Lex Luthor in the Superman films to leading roles in The Royal Tenenbaums (2001), The Conversation (1974), Runaway Jury (2003), and The Poseidon Adventure (1972).

Hollywood Pays Tribute

Director Francis Ford Coppola, who worked with Hackman on The Conversation, called him “a great artist, inspiring and magnificent in his work and complexity.”

Star Trek actor George Takei also honored Hackman, writing on X, “We have lost one of the true giants of the screen. Gene Hackman could play anyone, and you could feel a whole life behind it. His work will live on forever.”

A Life Before—and After—Acting

Born in California in 1930, Hackman enlisted in the U.S. Marine Corps at 16, lying about his age. He served for over four years, stationed in China, Hawai’i, and Japan, before being discharged in 1951.

After his military service, he studied journalism and television production before turning to acting. He trained at the Pasadena Playhouse, where he befriended Dustin Hoffman.

“I wanted to act, but I always thought actors had to be handsome. When I looked in the mirror, I didn’t see Errol Flynn—but I felt like him,” he once said.

Despite early struggles, Hackman’s breakout role as Buck Barrow in Bonnie and Clyde (1967) launched him into stardom.

Hackman retired from acting in 2004 after his final role in Welcome to Mooseport. Though he never made a formal announcement, he later confirmed, “I really don’t want to do it any longer.”

Instead, he turned his focus to writing novels, co-authoring several historical fiction and thriller books. He and Betsy Arakawa, whom he married in 1991, led a quiet life in New Mexico, making only rare public appearances.

Hackman leaves behind a legacy of timeless performances, remembered as one of Hollywood’s most respected and enduring actors.