Legendary actor Gene Hackman and his wife, Betsy Arakawa, were found dead at their home in Santa Fe, New Mexico, along with their pet dog, according to local law enforcement.
The Santa Fe County Sheriff’s Office confirmed the tragedy, which took place on Wednesday, February 26, 2025. “We can confirm that both Gene Hackman and his wife were found deceased Wednesday afternoon at their residence on Sunset Trail,” Sheriff Adan Mendoza stated in a report via the BBC.
Mendoza added that while the investigation remains active, authorities “do not believe that foul play was a factor.” He also noted that no official cause of death has been determined, saying, “All I can say is that we’re in the middle of a preliminary death investigation, waiting on approval of a search warrant.”
Hackman, who was 95 at the time of his passing, leaves behind an extraordinary Hollywood legacy. His career spanned six decades and included memorable performances across multiple genres. He won the Academy Award for Best Actor for his role as Detective Jimmy “Popeye” Doyle in 1971’s The French Connection and later took home the Oscar for Best Supporting Actor in Clint Eastwood’s 1992 Western, Unforgiven.
One of Hackman’s most recognizable roles came in 1978 when he portrayed Lex Luthor in Richard Donner’s Superman, a performance he reprised in 1980’s Superman II and 1987’s Superman IV: The Quest for Peace.
His career featured a wide array of roles, from his early work in Bonnie & Clyde (1967) to later hits like The Birdcage (1996) and Enemy of the State (1998). His final on-screen performance came in 2004’s Welcome to Mooseport, where he played former U.S. President Monroe “Eagle” Cole.
Betsy Arakawa, 63, was a pianist and Hackman’s partner for over three decades. The couple had resided in New Mexico for years, enjoying a private life away from Hollywood.
As the investigation continues, more details are expected to emerge. We will provide updates as they become available.
