The legendary actor and his wife, a classical pianist, had been married since 1991 and were rarely seen in public.
Gene Hackman and his wife, Betsy Arakawa, were found dead in their Santa Fe Summit home on the afternoon of Wednesday, February 26. Authorities have not suspected foul play, but an investigation is ongoing.
On Wednesday afternoon, Sheriff deputies arrived at Hackman and Arakawa’s home on Old Sunset Trail to investigate the death of two elderly couple and a dog. It is not yet known if the police came after they got an alert about their deaths or if they were doing a welfare check.
However, Santa Fe County Sheriff Adan Mendoza confirmed just after midnight on Thursday that the two-time Oscar winner Gene Hackman, his wife, and their dog had died. Mendoza stated that there were no immediate signs of foul play but did not disclose a cause of death or estimate when the couple had passed.
The 95-year-old author and his 63-year-old wife had lived in Santa Fe since the 1980s. Their home was located in a gated community off Hyde Park Road just north of Ten Thousand Waves.
You may be gone, but you will never be forgotten.🕊️
Gene Hackman Biography
Full Name: Eugene Allen Hackman
Born: January 30, 1930, in San Bernardino, California, USA
Occupation: Actor, Novelist
Years Active: 1956–2004 (acting), 1999–present (writing)
Early Life & Military Service
Gene Hackman was born in San Bernardino, California, and raised in Danville, Illinois. He left home at age 16 to join the U.S. Marine Corps, serving for four years as a field radio operator. After his service, he studied journalism and television production at the University of Illinois but dropped out to pursue acting.
Acting Career
Hackman trained at the Pasadena Playhouse, where he met fellow aspiring actor Dustin Hoffman. His breakthrough came with “Bonnie and Clyde” (1967), where he played Buck Barrow, earning his first Academy Award nomination.
Major Films & Achievements
- “The French Connection” (1971) – Won his first Academy Award for Best Actor as Popeye Doyle.
- “The Conversation” (1974) – Critically acclaimed role as a paranoid surveillance expert.
- “Superman” series (1978–1987) – Played the iconic villain Lex Luthor.
- “Hoosiers” (1986) – Played a small-town basketball coach in a beloved sports film.
- “Mississippi Burning” (1988) – Another Oscar-nominated role as an FBI agent.
- “Unforgiven” (1992) – Won his second Oscar, this time for Best Supporting Actor as the ruthless sheriff Little Bill Daggett.
- “The Firm” (1993), “Crimson Tide” (1995), “Enemy of the State” (1998) – Continued success in thrillers and action films.
Retirement & Later Life
Hackman retired from acting in 2004 after “Welcome to Mooseport” and focused on writing. He has authored several historical novels, often in the thriller and Western genres.
Personal Life
He was married to Fay Maltese (1956–1986) and later to Betsy Arakawa (since 1991). He is known for his private lifestyle and passion for painting and cycling.
Legacy
Gene Hackman is regarded as one of Hollywood’s greatest actors, known for his intensity, versatility, and ability to bring authenticity to his roles. Despite his retirement, his films continue to be celebrated by audiences and critics alike.
