Oscar-Winning Actor Gene Hackman Dead At Age 95
Gene Hackman, a five-time Oscar nominee and two-time winner, and his wife, classically trained pianist Betsy Arakawa, were found dead in their Santa Fe Home on Wednesday (February 26). They were 95 and 63, respectively.
The Associated Press reports that the couple and their dog were found deceased when deputies entered their home around 1:45 PM to check on their welfare.
Authorities said they do not suspect foul play to be a factor. 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 [most reports state she was 63, so this detail 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.
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 is survived by 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.