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

Hollywood Legend Gene Hackman Passes Away at 95

Gene Hackman, the two-time Academy Award-winning actor, was found dead at his home in Santa Fe, New Mexico, along with his wife, Betsy Arakawa, and their dog. The Santa Fe County Sheriff's Office confirmed their deaths on February 26, 2025, but stated that no foul play is suspected.

A Legacy Spanning Over Six Decades

Gene Hackman, 95, was one of Hollywood’s most celebrated actors, with a career that spanned over 60 years. He won two Oscars, four Golden Globes, two BAFTAs, and a Screen Actors Guild Award.

Some of his most iconic roles include:

• Jimmy "Popeye" Doyle in The French Connection (1971) – Best Actor Oscar Winner
• Little Bill Daggett in Unforgiven (1992) – Best Supporting Actor Oscar Winner
• Buck Barrow in Bonnie and Clyde (1967)
• I Never Sang for My Father (1970)
• Mississippi Burning (1988)

Hackman also played Lex Luthor in the 1970s and 1980s Superman films and starred in Runaway Jury, The Conversation, and The Royal Tenenbaums. His final film appearance was in Welcome to Mooseport (2004).

A Humble Beginning in Hollywood

Born in California in 1930, Hackman lied about his age to enlist in the U.S. Army at 16, serving for over four years. After his military service, he pursued acting, joining the Pasadena Playhouse, where he became friends with Dustin Hoffman.

Despite early struggles, Hackman rose to fame in the 1970s, earning a reputation as one of Hollywood’s greatest "tough guy" actors.

A Private Life Away from the Spotlight

Hackman was married to Faye Maltese for 30 years, raising three children before divorcing in 1986. He later married Betsy Arakawa, a classical pianist, and they lived a private life away from Hollywood.

He officially retired from acting in 2008, focusing on writing novels. In an interview, he once said:

“I was trained to be an actor, not a star. I was trained to play roles, not to deal with fame.”

Tributes Pour In for a Hollywood Icon

Gene Hackman’s passing marks the end of an era in Hollywood cinema. His contributions to film and his versatile performances will continue to inspire generations of actors and filmmakers.