Legendary American actor Gene Hackman and his wife, Betsy Arakawa, were found dead at their home in New Mexico on Wednesday. The 95-year-old Oscar winner and his 64-year-old classical pianist wife were discovered by maintenance workers who had called the police after finding the front door of the residence open. The couple’s dog was also found dead in the home.
The circumstances surrounding their deaths were deemed suspicious by the police, prompting a thorough investigation. Hackman’s body was found near the kitchen, while his wife’s was discovered in a bathroom. Two other dogs were found alive and well inside and outside of the home.
Despite calling the Santa Fe Fire Department and the New Mexico Gas Company to the residence, no toxic fumes or gas leaks were found. The cause of their deaths is still unknown.
Hackman had a long and illustrious career in the entertainment industry, spanning Broadway, television, and over 80 films. He won two Academy Awards for Best Actor and Best Supporting Actor for his roles in “The French Connection” and “Unforgiven” respectively. He also received three other Oscar nominations for his work in “Bonnie and Clyde,” “I Never Sang for My Father,” and “Mississippi Burning.”
Hackman’s versatility as an actor was evident in the wide range of genres he worked in, from action movies to comedies. Some of his notable film credits include “The Poseidon Adventure,” “Young Frankenstein,” “Superman,” “Hoosiers,” “The Birdcage,” and “The Royal Tenenbaums.” His last film was “Welcome to Mooseport” in 2004.
The news of Hackman’s passing has been met with an outpouring of grief and remembrance from the entertainment community. Director Francis Ford Coppola, who worked with Hackman on “The Conversation,” posted on Instagram, “The loss of a great artist is always cause for both mourning and celebration. Gene Hackman was a great actor, inspiring and magnificent in his work and complexity. I mourn his loss and celebrate his existence and contribution.”
Actor Morgan Freeman, who co-starred with Hackman in “Under Suspicion” and “Unforgiven,” also shared his condolences on Instagram, “One of the personal highlights of my career was bringing the French film ‘Gardé a Vue’ to life with the incredibly gifted Gene Hackman. And of course… ‘Unforgiven.’ Rest in peace, my friend.”
The entertainment industry has lost a true legend in Gene Hackman. His talent, versatility, and impact on the industry will never be forgotten. Our thoughts and prayers go out to his family and loved ones during this difficult time.
Information for this article was sourced from The Associated Press, Agence France-Presse, and Reuters.
