Santa Fe, NM – Hollywood icon Gene Hackman, an actor revered for his commanding performances and Oscar-winning roles, was found dead at the age of 95 in his Santa Fe, New Mexico home. Authorities confirmed that Hackman’s wife, Betsy Arakawa, 63, was also discovered deceased, along with one of their pet dogs. Law enforcement has launched an active investigation into the circumstances surrounding their deaths.
Officials from the Santa Fe County Sheriff’s Office responded to a welfare check at the couple’s residence on February 26, 2025, after a concerned acquaintance reported not hearing from them for several days. Upon arrival, deputies found the front door ajar. They entered the home and discovered Arakawa’s body in a bathroom, while Hackman was found deceased in another area of the residence.
Initial reports suggest that both bodies exhibited signs of decomposition, with Arakawa showing signs of bloating and mummification in her hands and feet. Authorities noted that a prescription pill bottle was found open near her body, with scattered pills on the bathroom countertop. While there was no immediate evidence of forced entry or trauma, detectives have not ruled out any possibilities, including natural causes, accidental overdose, suicide, or even foul play.
Authorities are currently working with the New Mexico Gas Company and local fire departments to eliminate the possibility of carbon monoxide poisoning or any other toxic environmental factors that could have contributed to the deaths. A thorough search of the home did not reveal any immediate gas leaks, but officials are continuing their forensic examination of the scene.
“We are treating this investigation with the utmost seriousness,” Santa Fe County Sheriff Adan Mendoza said in a statement. “Given the condition in which the bodies were found, it is imperative that we conduct a full forensic examination before drawing any conclusions.”
Hackman’s autopsy is scheduled for Thursday, and toxicology reports will be conducted to determine whether any substances played a role in his passing. Authorities have also confirmed that two other healthy dogs were found on the property, with one running loose and the other near Arakawa’s body.
The news of Gene Hackman’s death has sent shockwaves through the entertainment industry and beyond. A two-time Academy Award winner, Hackman’s career spanned more than four decades, defining multiple generations of moviegoers with his dynamic and versatile performances.
Born on January 30, 1930, in San Bernardino, California, Hackman had a tumultuous childhood. His parents divorced when he was young, and at the age of 16, he enlisted in the U.S. Marine Corps, lying about his age to join early. During his time in the service, he was stationed in China and later trained as a radio operator. Following his discharge, he pursued acting, defying the odds in an industry where success was never guaranteed.
Hackman’s journey to fame was not an easy one. After studying at the Pasadena Playhouse, he spent years working odd jobs, including stints as a truck driver and doorman, before landing his first significant Broadway and off-Broadway roles. His breakthrough came with the 1967 classic Bonnie and Clyde, where he played Buck Barrow, a role that earned him his first Academy Award nomination.
From there, Hackman’s career skyrocketed. His portrayal of Detective Popeye Doyle in the 1971 crime thriller The French Connection won him his first Oscar for Best Actor, cementing his place as a leading Hollywood star. His ability to effortlessly shift between playing heroes, villains, and complex antiheroes made him one of the most sought-after actors of his generation.
Some of Hackman’s most celebrated roles include:
Lex Luthor in Superman (1978) – A charismatic and cunning portrayal of the iconic comic book villain.
Sheriff "Little Bill" Daggett in Unforgiven (1992) – A performance that earned him his second Academy Award, this time for Best Supporting Actor in Clint Eastwood’s revisionist Western.
Coach Norman Dale in Hoosiers (1986) – A beloved role as a determined basketball coach in an underdog sports drama.
Royal Tenenbaum in The Royal Tenenbaums (2001) – A quirky yet deeply emotional performance that resonated with both critics and audiences alike.
Hackman officially retired from acting in 2004, citing a desire to step away from the Hollywood spotlight. He turned his creative energy toward writing, penning several historical fiction novels, and spent his later years enjoying life in Santa Fe, where he resided with his wife, Betsy Arakawa.
Tributes from actors, directors, and fans have poured in since the news of Hackman’s passing broke. Francis Ford Coppola, who directed Hackman in the 1974 thriller The Conversation, shared a heartfelt message:
“Gene Hackman was one of the greatest actors I’ve ever worked with. His intensity, his honesty, and his ability to disappear into a role were unparalleled. His loss is immeasurable.”
Many fans have also taken to social media, reminiscing about their favorite Hackman performances and the impact he had on cinema.
Unlike many of his contemporaries, Hackman avoided the Hollywood limelight, preferring a quiet and secluded life in New Mexico. He rarely made public appearances, and when he did, it was usually to promote one of his novels or attend a special film tribute.
Hackman’s love for cycling, painting, and writing filled his days in retirement. In interviews, he often spoke about how he cherished the simplicity of everyday life, free from the pressures of the entertainment industry.
As authorities continue to investigate the mysterious circumstances of Hackman and Arakawa’s deaths, many questions remain unanswered. Was it natural causes, or did something more sinister occur? Toxicology results and forensic evidence will likely provide clearer insights in the coming weeks.
For now, Hollywood and movie lovers across the world mourn the passing of one of the most gifted actors of all time. His legacy will live on through his unforgettable performances, inspiring generations of future actors and filmmakers.
