Gene Hackman, the acclaimed actor whose powerful performances defined a generation of cinema, has passed away at the age of 95. His wife, pianist Betsy Arakawa, and their dog were also found deceased at their home in Santa Fe, New Mexico, according to a statement from the local sheriff’s office on Thursday.
Authorities confirmed that Hackman and Arakawa were discovered on Wednesday afternoon around 1:45 p.m. While the exact cause of death has yet to be determined, officials have stated that foul play is not suspected at this time. The Santa Fe County Sheriff’s Office continues to investigate.
Hackman, a former Marine with a distinctive raspy voice and commanding screen presence, was a force in Hollywood for over 60 years. With more than 80 films to his name, he left an indelible mark on the industry.
His breakout role came in 1967’s “Bonnie and Clyde,” where he played the brother of the infamous outlaw Clyde Barrow—a performance that earned him his first Academy Award nomination.
Four years later, he secured Best Actor honors for his unforgettable portrayal of Popeye Doyle, the relentless detective in “The French Connection” (1971).
Hackman’s ability to seamlessly shift between menacing and endearing characters made him one of Hollywood’s most versatile actors.
He went on to win his second Oscar—this time for Best Supporting Actor—in 1993, for his role as a brutal sheriff in Clint Eastwood’s “Unforgiven.” He was also nominated for his gripping performance as an FBI agent in “Mississippi Burning” (1988).
Despite his success, Hackman remained refreshingly self-aware. In a 1989 interview with the New York Times, he described his appearance as “your everyday mine worker”—a trait that allowed audiences to connect with his rugged, no-nonsense characters.
Following his retirement from acting in 2004, Hackman largely withdrew from the public eye, choosing a quieter life with Arakawa, whom he married in 1991.
As Hollywood mourns the loss of one of its most enduring stars, Hackman’s legacy lives on through the unforgettable performances that continue to captivate audiences worldwide.