Legendary Actor Gene Hackman and Wife Found Dead in Their Home

Renowned actor Gene Hackman, a two-time Oscar winner and accomplished author, and his wife, classical pianist Betsy Arakawa, were discovered deceased on Wednesday afternoon in their residence in Santa Fe Summit, New Mexico.

Santa Fe County Sheriff Adan Mendoza officially announced in the early hours of Thursday that the couple, along with their pet dog, had passed away.

Sheriff Mendoza, speaking in an interview stated that there were no immediate signs of foul play. However, he refrained from divulging the cause of death or specifying the timeframe in which the couple had died.

At the age of 16, Hackman left home and misrepresented his age to join the United States Marine Corps. Serving as a field radio operator for four and a half years, Hackman was stationed in China. Following the Communist Revolution's triumph in mainland China in 1949, he was reassigned to Hawaii and later to Japan.

After being discharged in 1951, Hackman relocated to New York City and held various jobs while attempting to decide what he wanted to do with his life. Hackman initially started in a program in journalism and television production at the University of Illinois through the G.I. Bill but later returned to California to embark on an acting career.

Hackman became a member of the Pasadena Playhouse in California, where he struck up a friendship with another aspiring actor, Dustin Hoffman. Both were viewed as outsiders by their peers and dubbed "The Least Likely To Succeed," with Hackman receiving the lowest score recorded at the Pasadena Playhouse at that time. Despite facing rejection, this criticism only fueled Hackman's determination and, a star was born.

Hackman graced the silver screen with both consistency and adaptability throughout the 1960s until his retirement in 2004. His extensive filmography encompassed acclaimed works such as the Academy Award-winning films "The French Connection" and "Unforgiven," his breakthrough role in "Bonnie and Clyde," a memorable comedic role in "Young Frankenstein," his portrayal of the iconic comic book antagonist Lex Luthor in "Superman," and his lead role in Wes Anderson's revered 2001 film "The Royal Tenenbaums."

Get our free mobile app

Apart from occasional appearances at awards ceremonies, Hackman maintained a low profile in the Hollywood social scene and stepped away from the limelight approximately two decades ago due to health reasons. During his later years, Hackman dedicated himself to writing novels from his hilltop Santa Faye ranch.