Legendary Hollywood actor Gene Hackman, aged 95, and his wife, Betsy Arakawa, aged 63, were found dead in their home outside Santa Fe, New Mexico, on Wednesday, February 26, 2025, alongside their pet dog. The Santa Fe County Sheriff’s Office confirmed the deaths, stating that deputies responded to a welfare check request around 1:45 p.m. local time at the couple’s residence on Sunset Trail. Authorities have indicated that foul play is not suspected at this stage, though the investigation remains active and ongoing. No specific cause of death has been released to the public yet.

Gene Hackman, a two-time Oscar winner known for iconic roles in films like The French Connection (1971) and Unforgiven (1992), had been retired from acting since 2004, living a quiet life in Santa Fe with Arakawa, a classical pianist whom he married in 1991. The couple’s low-profile existence stood in contrast to Hackman’s storied career, which spanned over six decades and included more than 80 film appearances. Arakawa, who preferred to stay out of the spotlight, was a significant part of Hackman’s later years, supporting him in his retirement.

The news has shocked fans and the entertainment community, coming just days before the 2025 Academy Awards. Hackman’s legacy as a versatile and intense character actor—highlighted by roles such as Lex Luthor in Superman (1978) and his work in Bonnie and Clyde (1967)—remains a cornerstone of American cinema. Sheriff Adan Mendoza assured the local community that there is no immediate danger, but details surrounding the circumstances of the deaths are still pending further investigation, with authorities awaiting approval for a search warrant.

Hackman was previously married to Faye Maltese, with whom he had three children—Christopher, Elizabeth Jean, and Leslie Anne—before their divorce in 1986. His first wife passed away in 2017. Tributes have begun pouring in, reflecting on Hackman’s remarkable contributions to film and the quiet life he chose in his later years with Arakawa. This remains a developing story, with more information expected as the investigation progresses.