Oscar-winning actor Gene Hackman and his wife, Betsy Arakawa, were found dead in their Santa Fe, New Mexico, home on Wednesday afternoon.
Gene Hackman dies: What’s the cause of death?
Hackman, 95, was discovered near the kitchen, while Arakawa, 65, was found in a bathroom.
Authorities reported no signs of forced entry, burglary, or struggle. However, due to the unusual circumstances, police have deemed the deaths “suspicious enough” to warrant an investigation.
A prescription bottle and scattered pills were found near Arakawa’s body, along with a portable heater that appeared to have been knocked over, per reports from BBC News.
A sheriff’s deputy noted that Arakawa showed signs of decomposition and mummification, indicating the couple had been deceased for some time before they were found.
Toxicology and carbon monoxide tests have been ordered to determine the cause of death, but no official conclusions have been reached.
Their dog was also found dead inside a closet, while two other dogs were discovered alive on the property.
Gene Hackman biography
Eugene Allen Hackman (30 January 1930 – February 26, 2025) was an acclaimed American actor known for his versatility and longevity in Hollywood.
His career spanned over five decades, earning him two Academy Awards, four Golden Globes, and two BAFTA Awards.
Hackman’s breakout role came in Bonnie and Clyde (1967), which earned him his first Oscar nomination.
He won his first Academy Award for The French Connection (1971), where he played the relentless detective Popeye Doyle. His second Oscar came for Unforgiven (1992), directed by Clint Eastwood, where he portrayed a ruthless sheriff.
Other notable films in his career include The Conversation (1974), Superman (1978) as Lex Luthor, Mississippi Burning(1988), The Firm (1993), The Birdcage (1996), and Enemy of the State (1998).
Hackman retired from acting after Welcome to Mooseport (2004), shifting his focus to writing. He co-authored several historical novels and maintained a low public profile in his later years, residing in Santa Fe.
Reactions to Hackman’s death
Tributes have poured in from Hollywood and beyond following Hackman’s passing.
Clint Eastwood, who directed Unforgiven, released a statement:
“Gene was one of the best actors I ever worked with. His presence on screen was unmatched, and his performances will be remembered forever.”
Actor Kevin Costner, who co-starred with Hackman in No Way Out (1987), wrote on social media:
“Heartbroken to hear of Gene Hackman’s passing. He was a true legend and an inspiration to so many of us in the industry.”
Filmmaker Quentin Tarantino, a longtime admirer of Hackman’s work, called him “one of the most commanding actors of all time.”
As investigations continue, fans and colleagues alike are celebrating the legacy of an actor whose performances left an indelible mark on cinema.