Legendary Oscar-winning actor Gene Hackman, his wife Betsy Arakawa, and their dog were found dead in their New Mexico home, authorities confirmed on Thursday.
While foul play is not suspected, officials have not disclosed the circumstances of their deaths, and an investigation remains ongoing.
Hackman, 95, and Arakawa, 63, were discovered when Santa Fe County Sheriff’s deputies conducted a welfare check at their residence around 1:45 p.m. on Wednesday, according to spokesperson Denise Avila.
Hackman, known for his gruff-but-beloved screen presence, was widely regarded as one of the greatest actors of his generation. His career spanned four decades, starring in unforgettable roles as heroes, villains, and antiheroes across a variety of genres. He was a five-time Oscar nominee, winning Best Actor for The French Connection (1972) and Best Supporting Actor for Unforgiven (1992). His passing comes just four days before this year’s Academy Awards ceremony.
Hackman met Arakawa, a classically trained pianist from Hawaii, in the mid-1980s when she was working at a California gym. The couple soon moved in together and later relocated to Santa Fe, where they built a quiet life away from Hollywood’s spotlight.
Though Hackman had three children from a previous marriage, he and Arakawa had no children together. In 1999, they reportedly adopted three German shepherds, reflecting their shared love for animals.
In a 2020 interview with Empire, Hackman shared how he and Arakawa enjoyed spending their time watching low-budget indie films on DVD, embracing the simplicity of life in their later years.
The news of their passing marks the end of an era for Hollywood and film lovers worldwide, as Hackman leaves behind a legacy of iconic performances and an influence that will be felt for generations to come.