Genene Hackman, Legendary Actor, Found Dead in Santa Fe Home with Wife and Dog
Renowned Hollywood actor Gene Hackman, along with his wife, classical pianist Betsy Arakawa, and their dog, were discovered dead in their Santa Fe, New Mexico home on February 26, 2025. The bodies of the two-time Oscar-winning actor, aged 95, and his wife, aged 63, were found by local police on Wednesday afternoon, according to reports from Santa Fe New Mexican. Hackman, who had retired from acting more than a decade ago, was living with Arakawa, his wife of 34 years, in their Santa Fe residence.
Santa Fe County Sheriff Adan Mendoza confirmed the tragic news on Thursday, clarifying that no signs of foul play were found. At this point, the cause of death remains undetermined, and the authorities are continuing their investigation.
Hackman, who was widely considered one of the finest actors of his generation, is remembered for his star performances in iconic films such as The French Connection, Bonnie and Clyde, and The Royal Tenenbaums. Over the course of his storied career, Hackman earned numerous accolades, including two Academy Awards, three Golden Globe Awards, and the prestigious Cecil B. DeMille Award in 2003.
Born Eugene Hackman on January 30, 1930, in San Bernardino, California, Hackman’s early life was filled with instability as his family frequently moved. Ultimately, they settled in Danville, Illinois. At the age of 13, Hackman’s father left the family, an event that would influence his later acting career. Reflecting on his early years, Hackman once shared that his father’s departure with a simple wave left a lasting impression on him, something that perhaps contributed to his desire to pursue acting.
Hackman’s journey into acting was anything but traditional. At 16, he enlisted in the Marines, serving in various parts of the world, including China, Japan, and Hawaii. Upon leaving the military, Hackman initially pursued a degree in journalism and television production at the University of Illinois but soon abandoned these plans to follow his true passion for acting. At 27, Hackman enrolled at the Pasadena Playhouse in California, where he met fellow aspiring actor Dustin Hoffman, who would become one of his close friends. The two, along with Robert Duvall, formed a tight-knit group and began trying to make a name for themselves in New York City.
Hackman’s breakthrough role came in 1964 when he starred in the Broadway production Any Wednesday, which led to his first major film appearance in Lilith (1964) opposite Warren Beatty. In 1967, he was cast by Beatty to play the older brother of Clyde Barrow in the film Bonnie and Clyde, earning an Academy Award nomination for Best Supporting Actor.
The film that cemented Gene Hackman’s status as a Hollywood leading man was The French Connection (1971), for which he won the Oscar for Best Actor. The film’s thrilling car chase, which was shot illegally and featured death-defying stunts through the streets of Brooklyn, is still considered one of the greatest in cinematic history. Gene Hackman later admitted that he had only watched The French Connection once, but he expressed gratitude for how the film helped propel his career.
Throughout the 1970s and 1980s, Gene Hackman’s filmography was filled with a diverse range of roles. He starred in comedic and dramatic films alike, including Young Frankenstein (1974), Night Moves (1975), Superman (1978), and Unforgiven (1992), the latter of which earned him his second Academy Award for Best Supporting Actor.
In 2004, Gene Hackman retired from acting following his performance in Welcome to Mooseport. He cited a health scare as the catalyst for his decision to step away from the screen. Hackman explained that after a stress test revealed concerns about his heart health, he chose to leave Hollywood and focus on other passions, such as painting, writing, and fishing.
In addition to his acting career, Gene Hackman co-wrote two adventure novels, Justice For None and Wake of the Perdido Star, with his close friend Daniel Lenihan. Although Hackman modestly described himself as “not a great writer,” he found immense satisfaction in the writing process.
Hackman’s career left an indelible mark on the entertainment industry, and he was often described by colleagues as one of the greatest actors of his time. Gene Hackman colleagues, including Michael Caine and Robin Williams, have praised him as an actor’s actor. Hackman’s influence continues to resonate in Hollywood, and his body of work remains a testament to his extraordinary talent and versatility.
