Oscar-winning US actor Gene Hackman, his wife Betsy Arakawa and their dog have been found dead at their home in Santa Fe, New Mexico, authorities said. Sant Fe County Sheriff Adan Mendoza confirmed just after midnight Thursday, the couple had died, along with their dog.
Foul play was not suspected, but authorities did not release circumstances of their deaths and said an investigation was ongoing. A statement from the Santa Fe County Sheriff in New Mexico said: “We can confirm that both Gene Hackman and his wife were found deceased Wednesday afternoon at their residence on Sunset Trail.
The couple’s home is in a gated community just outside of Santa Fe, New Mexico’s capital city. Hackman moved in the 1980s to the area, where he was often seen around town and served as a board member of the Georgia O’Keeffe Museum in the 1990s, according to the local paper, The New Mexican.
Hackman, who was 95 years old, was one of the most recognized actors of his generation. Throughout his extensive career, he won two Oscars, four Golden Globes (including the prestigious Cecil B. DeMille Award) and two BAFTAs. Ultimately, he established himself as a benchmark in film acting.
Gene Hackman, whose full name was Eugene Allen Hackman, was born in San Bernardino, California, in 1930. Over a career spanning more than four decades, Hackmann established himself as one of Hollywood’s most versatile and respected actors.
He kickstarted his career in the 60s, but it was in the 70s that he reached the peak of success. Hid memorable roles in films directed by filmmakers such as Francis Ford Coppola, William Friedkin and Alan Parker, among others, stand out.
His versatility led him to participate in a wide variety of genres, from action and thriller to comedy and drama. Among the most notable films are The French Connection, which earned him his first Oscar as Best Actor.
Also, Unforgiven, for which he received his second statuette, this time as Best Supporting Actor. Gene Hackman also starred in hits like Superman: The Movie, Enemy of the State, The Royal Tenenbaums, The Poseidon Adventure, Crimson Tide and Absolute Power.
The actor starred in a career marked by impeccable performances and a unique charisma on screen. His passing leaves a void in the film world and in the hearts of his fans, who will always remember him as one of Hollywood’s finest.