Gene Hackman, a two-time Academy Award recipient, and spouse Betsy Arakawa were both discovered deceased in their $3.8 million abode in Santa Fe.
The pair, who had been wed since 1991, were located on the morning of Wednesday along with their canine companion, however, the precise moment of their departure remains undisclosed, as per the statements made by the law enforcement. The Santa Fe County Sheriff Adan Mendoza’s office revealed that no criminal activity is suspected at present.
The reason behind their demise is currently unidentified.
“All I am able to disclose is that we are currently conducting an initial inquiry regarding their demise, awaiting the authorization of a search warrant,” mentioned the sheriff in a statement to the Santa Fe New Mexican. As stated by the publication, the declaration was issued prior to the positive identification of the duo by the authorities. “I aim to reassure the community and the vicinity that there is no immediate peril to anyone.”
Gene Hackman during the 60th Annual Golden Globe Awards, held on January 19, 2003. Image courtesy of Kevin Winter/Getty Images.
Throughout his illustrious career in Hollywood, Gene Hackman performed in excess of 70 films. He achieved numerous accolades, such as the esteemed Oscar for Best Actor in The French Connection and for Best Supporting Actor for his portrayal as Little Bill Daggett in Clint Eastwood’s Unforgiven.
Undoubtedly, he was regarded as one of the supreme actors from his era, embodying both villains and heroes, across comedies, dramas, and action movies. He possessed the ability to portray any character.
Gone from the public eye around two decades ago, Gene Hackman withdrew from the film industry. Gene Hackman in The French Connection/ Getty Images
He mentioned to Empire in 2009, “The final straw was a stress test I underwent in New York.”
“The physician cautioned that my heart was not in an adequate condition to endure any physical stress.”
Subsequently, he devoted his time to fishing, painting, and writing.
In March 2024, an image of the actor and his wife was circulated online. It marked a rare instance of the couple being observed together subsequent to his retirement.
As accolades began to flood in, Star Trek personality George Takei shared on X that “we have parted with one of the genuine greats of the silver screen”.
“Gene Hackman could embody any character, and you could sense an entire existence encapsulated within,” he expressed. “He could portray everyone and no one, a substantial presence or an ordinary person. That’s the level of his acting prowess. He will be mourned, yet his legacy will endure eternally.”
At their time of decease, Gene Hackman and his spouse were aged 95 and 63 correspondingly.
