Gene Hackman, the Oscar-winning actor known for his roles in Unforgiven and The French Connection, has been found dead alongside his wife, Betsy Arakawa, in their home in Santa Fe, New Mexico, according to reports from local authorities. Hackman, 95, and his wife, the 63-year-old pianist, were discovered by police on Wednesday afternoon. The authorities have not disclosed the cause of death, though it is noted that the couple’s dog also passed away.
A statement from the Santa Fe County Sheriff’s Office confirmed, “We can confirm that both Gene Hackman and his wife were found deceased at their residence on Sunset Trail.” The statement also emphasized that this is an active investigation but stated, “At this time, we do not believe a crime occurred.”
Throughout his illustrious career, Hackman, who appeared in over 100 roles, amassed numerous accolades, including two BAFTA Awards, four Golden Globes, and a Screen Actors Guild Award. He retired from acting in 2004 and shifted his focus to writing novels and painting.
The actor’s passion for the craft began at an early age, drawing inspiration from legendary actors like James Cagney and Errol Flynn. However, he credited Marlon Brando’s performance in A Streetcar Named Desire (1951) as the turning point that solidified his desire to pursue acting. In the early 1960s, at the age of 30, he enrolled in the Pasadena Playhouse drama school in Los Angeles, marking the beginning of his professional journey.
Hackman often expressed that his training focused on being an actor, not a star. “I was trained to be an actor, not a star. I was trained to play roles, not to deal with fame, agents, lawyers, and the press,” he once reflected, as remembered by the BBC.
