Oscar-Winning Actor Gene Hackman Dead At Age 95
Gene Hackman (age 95), a five-time Oscar nominee and two-time winner, and his wife, classically trained pianist Betsy Arakawa (age 65), were found dead in their Santa Fe Home on Wednesday (February 26).
UPDATE – FEBRUARY 27, 6:30 ET
The Santa Fe County Sheriff’s Office issued a press release about Hackman and Arakawa’s deaths on Thursday afternoon (February 27). The press release stated initial autopsy findings showed “no external trauma to either individual.”
Carbon monoxide and toxicology tests for both Hackman and Arakawa have been requested, with results pending.
Sheriff Adan Mendoza reiterated there was “no obvious sign or indication of foul play.” However, authorities continue to consider all possibilities.
Hackman’s daughters and granddaughter released a statement quoted by ABC News. It reads:
“He was loved and admired by millions around the world for his brilliant acting career, but to us he was always just Dad and Grandpa. We will miss him sorely and are devastated by the loss.”
UPDATE – FEBRUARY 27, 2:30 ET
ABC News obtained the search warrant affidavit related to Hackman and Arakawa’s deaths. The document describes their deaths as “suspicious enough in nature to require a thorough search and investigation.”
According to the affidavit, Hackman was found on the floor in the mudroom. ABC News reports, “It appeared he fell suddenly.”
Arakawa was found on her side, on the floor, near a space heater in one of the bathrooms. The affidavit describes an open prescription bottle and scattered pills on a nearby counter.
The affidavit states Hackman and Arakawa both “showed obvious signs of death.” Arakawa’s body showed signs of decomposition.
Their deaths were “suspicious enough in nature to require a thorough search and investigation” due to all of the “circumstances surrounding” the scene, according to the search warrant affidavit. https://t.co/usP2TajzkS
— Action News on 6abc (@6abc) February 27, 2025
Santa Fe County Sheriff Adan Mendoza said one of the couple’s dogs was found deceased in a kennel or crate. Two other dogs survived. One was found inside, close to Arakawa, and the other was located outside the home. Sheriff Mendoza said it appears the surviving dogs had access to a doggy door.
The Santa Fe City Fire Department found no evidence of a potential carbon monoxide leak. New Mexico Gas Company found no issues with the pipes around the residence.
During a press conference on Thursday (see the video above), Sheriff Mendoza said a pest control worker showed up at the house and noticed the couple didn’t appear to be home, which he found “odd.” He contacted a security officer, and the officer discovered Hackman and Arakawa’s bodies.
There didn’t appear to be any sign of forced entry, though Sheriff Mendoza said one of the doors was “open.”
ORIGINAL STORY
The Associated Press reports deputies entered Hackman and Arakawa’s home on February 26 to check on their welfare.
Authorities initially stated they did not suspect foul play to be a factor in their deaths. However, the couple’s cause and manner of death have not been released.
Deadline published a statement from the Santa Fe Sherrif’s office, which reads:
“On February 26, 2025 at approximately 1:45 p.m., Santa Fe County Sheriff’s deputies were dispatched to an address on Old Sunset Trail in Hyde Park where Gene Hackman, 95 and his wife Betsy Arakawa, 64 [initial reports stated she was 63, later reports updated her age to 65, so this number may be incorrect], and a dog were found deceased. Foul play is not suspected as a factor in those deaths at this time, however exact cause of death has not been determined. This is an active and ongoing investigation by the Santa Fe County Sheriff’s Office.”
As news of Hackman and Arakawa’s deaths spread on Thursday morning (February 27), many took to social media to pay tribute. Yellowstone star Cole Hauser remembered Hackman as “1 of our finest American actors and patriots.”
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Gene Hackman Starred In Unforgiven, Bonnie & Clyde, Superman, And More
Hackman won his first Oscar in 1972 for his role in The French Connection. Two decades later, he won his second Oscar for playing Sheriff “Little” Bill Daggett in Clint Eastwood’s Unforgiven.
Hackman earned three additional Oscar nominations for roles in Bonnie and Clyde, I Never Sang for My Father, and Mississippi Burning. He was also known for playing Lex Luthor in 1978’s Superman and its 1980 sequel, Superman II.
Arakawa was a classically trained pianist who grew up in Hawaii. She met Hackman when she was working at a gym in California in the 1980s.
The couple married in 1991. While Hackman had three children from his previous marriage to Faye Maltese, he and Arakawa did not share any children.
Legendary actor Gene Hackman, his wife Betsy Arakawa, and their dog have been found dead in their home.
The Santa Fe County Sheriff says there was no immediate indication of foul play. pic.twitter.com/AJqfTBv9QJ
— Pop Base (@PopBase) February 27, 2025
Hackman retired over 20 years ago, but still made an occasional appearance at awards shows. Other than that, he lived a mostly private life in his later years.
He and Arakawa found peace at their home in Santa Fe, which The Associated Press describes as a “large Southwestern-style ranch” with views of the Rocky Mountains.
Hackman’s survivors include his three children, Christopher, Elizabeth Jean, and Leslie Anne.
Our thoughts and prayers go out to all of Hackman and Arakawa’s loved ones during this difficult time. May they rest in peace.