Gene Hackman and Wife Found Deceased in Their Santa Fe Home
Legendary actor Gene Hackman, a two-time Academy Award winner, and his wife, classical pianist Betsy Arakawa, were found dead in their Santa Fe Summit residence in New Mexico on Wednesday afternoon.
According to Santa Fe County Sheriff Adan Mendoza, authorities discovered the couple along with their pet, and there were no indications of foul play. However, he refrained from revealing the cause of death or specifying when they may have passed.
Hackman and Arakawa had been married since 1991. The actor, who turned 95 in late January, had sparked concern among fans regarding his health after making a rare public appearance last year.
A Celebrated Career and Quiet Retirement
Spanning four decades, Hackman’s career was nothing short of extraordinary. However, he chose to retire from Hollywood in the late 2000s, having suggested in a 2004 interview with Larry King that he had no further projects lined up.
Throughout his extensive filmography, Hackman appeared in over 70 movies and received numerous accolades. He won an Oscar for Best Actor in The French Connection and later secured a Best Supporting Actor award for his role as Little Bill Daggett in Clint Eastwood’s Unforgiven.
Stepping Away from Hollywood
In 2009, Hackman disclosed that his decision to leave the entertainment industry was influenced by a worrisome stress test that raised concerns among his doctors.
“The turning point was a stress test I had in New York,” he shared with Empire. “The doctor advised that my heart couldn’t handle any more stress.”
Following his retirement, Hackman embraced a quieter life, dedicating his time to painting, fishing, and writing.
Reflecting on his writing endeavors, he remarked, “It brings me a sense of calm. I don’t consider myself an exceptional writer, but I genuinely enjoy it.”
He further noted, “Writing allows you to be in control—just you and your thoughts—unlike acting, where a whole crew is waiting on you.”
Remembering Gene Hackman
Hackman, who was last seen publicly at the 60th Annual Golden Globe Awards in 2003, leaves behind three children—Christopher, Elizabeth Jean, and Leslie Anne—from his previous marriage to the late Faye Maltese.
Our deepest condolences go out to the family and loved ones of Gene Hackman and Betsy Arakawa during this difficult time.