Two-time Oscar winner Gene Hackman and his wife Betsy Arakawa found dead in their Santa Fe home. Sheriff investigating, no foul play suspected.
Two-time Oscar winner Gene Hackman and his wife, Betsy Arakawa, have been found dead at their home in Santa Fe, New Mexico, along with their dog. The news was confirmed by Santa Fe County Sheriff Adan Mendoza.
Mr. Hackman was 95 years old, and his wife was 63. The Sheriff’s office is currently investigating the circumstances surrounding their deaths. According to Sheriff Mendoza, there is no immediate indication of foul play.
“We can confirm that both Gene Hackman and his wife were found dead Wednesday afternoon at their residence on Sunset Trail. This is an active investigation – however, at this time we do not believe that foul play was a factor,” Mr. Mendoza stated, as reported by BBC.
The exact cause and time of death have not yet been disclosed. Sheriff Mendoza mentioned that the investigation is in its preliminary stages, and they are awaiting approval for a search warrant.
Gene Hackman’s Illustrious Career
Born Eugene Allen Hackman on January 30, 1930, in San Bernardino, California, Gene Hackman’s career spanned over six decades, marked by versatile performances. He served in the Marine Corps at 16 before exploring journalism and radio, eventually finding his passion in acting.
Hackman’s breakthrough role came as Buck Barrow in Bonnie and Clyde (1967), which earned him an Academy Award nomination. He ultimately won two Oscars during his career. The first was for Best Actor for his portrayal of Jimmy “Popeye” Doyle in The French Connection (1971). The second was for Best Supporting Actor as Little Bill Daggett in Unforgiven (1992). He played over 100 roles during his career.
Beyond his Oscar-winning roles, Hackman was known for his performances in films such as Superman (1978), where he played the cunning Lex Luthor, and The Conversation (1974), where he played a troubled surveillance expert. Other notable films include Hoosiers (1986), Mississippi Burning (1988), and The Royal Tenenbaums (2001), for which he received a Golden Globe.
Personal Life and Retirement
In 1991, Gene Hackman married Betsy Arakawa, a classical pianist. Following their marriage, the couple moved from Los Angeles to Santa Fe, New Mexico, where they resided until their passing. Hackman retired from acting in 2004 after his role in Welcome to Mooseport. Following his retirement from acting, he pursued writing historical fiction novels.
Sheriff Mendoza has assured the community that there is no threat and that the investigation is ongoing to determine the circumstances surrounding the deaths of Hackman and Arakawa. Gene Hackman is survived by his three children from his first marriage to Faye Maltese: Christopher, Elizabeth Jean, and Leslie Anne.
Sources: https://www.ndtv.com/world-news/legendary-actor-gene-hackman-wife-and-dog-found-dead-at-home-7806695
https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/english/hollywood/news/legendary-hollywood-actor-gene-hackman-and-his-wife-betsy-arakawa-found-dead-at-home/articleshow/118599726.cms
https://www.thehindu.com/entertainment/movies/gene-hackman-and-wife-betsy-arakawa-found-dead-in-santa-fe-home-no-foul-play-suspected/article69269740.ece