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From Fox News: Oscar-winning actor Gene Hackman was found dead alongside his wife, classical pianist Betsy Arakawa, and their dog in their Santa Fe home on Wednesday afternoon.
Hackman was 95 at the time of his death, and his wife 63. The office confirmed that foul play is not suspected as a factor in the deaths at this time, but the cause of death has not been determined. An investigation is ongoing.
“On February 26, 2025, at approximately 1:45 p.m., Santa Fe County Sheriff’s deputies were dispatched to an address on Old Sunset Trail in Hyde Park, where Gene Hackman, 95 and his wife Betsy Arakawa, 64, and a dog were found deceased,” the Santa Fe County Sheriff’s office told Fox News Digital early Thursday morning.
Hackman was best known for his Oscar-winning performances in “The French Connection” and “Unforgiven.” He appeared as villains, heroes and antiheroes in dozens of dramas, comedies and action films from the 1960s until his retirement in the early 2000s.
UPDATE: Fox News later shared additional details:
Santa Fe County Sheriff Adan Mendoza confirmed with Fox News Digital that a search warrant showed Hackman, his wife and their dog had been dead for some time. Mendoza said their team found the deceased dog in a kennel during the investigation. The couple’s bodies were in different rooms when deputies found them while conducting a wellness check at their Santa Fe home.
On Wednesday, Hackman was found dead in a mudroom and his wife, Arakawa, was found dead in a bathroom next to a space heater. There was an open prescription bottle and pills scattered on the countertop near Arakawa.
The Sting wrote, “Gene Hackman has passed away at the age of 95.
Gene was one of the greatest actors of his, or anyone’s generation. He was a powerhouse, as adept at comedy as he was drama. Today is a very sad day, we’ve lost a legend. Gene was a giant of cinema. R.I.P Gene Hackman.”
Gene Hackman has passed away at the age of 95.
Gene was one of the greatest actors of his, or anyone’s generation. He was a powerhouse, as adept at comedy as he was drama. Today is a very sad day, we’ve lost a legend. Gene was a giant of cinema.
R.I.P Gene Hackman pic.twitter.com/iL19ky4not— The Sting (@TheStingisBack) February 27, 2025
Actor Antonio Banderas wrote, “A very sad day for the cinema’s family. Gene Hackman and his wife Betsy Arakawa have passed away. My deepest condolences to friends, family and cinema lovers. RIP.”
A very sad day for the cinema’s family. Gene Hackman and his wife Betsy Arakawa have passed away.
My deepest condolences to friends, family and cinema lovers.
RIP 🎬🖤 pic.twitter.com/PmuiLU4Jyb— Antonio Banderas (@antoniobanderas) February 27, 2025
RIP, Gene Hackman. Phenomenal actor. Hoosiers is a top five sports movie of all time without a doubt and you can argue it’s the GOAT. Where do you guys rank it? pic.twitter.com/0XXdwnZjPC
— Clay Travis (@ClayTravis) February 27, 2025
Gene Hackman has passed away at 95
A Legend and an Icon, Gene was one of the most powerful actors to ever grace the screen. You didn’t mess with Hackman. I can’t tell you how devastated I am by his passing. This one’s hit me hard.
RIP Gene Hackman pic.twitter.com/jCT83w6i2P— The Sting (@TheStingisBack) February 27, 2025
George Takei also paid tribute, writing, “We have lost one of the true giants of the screen. Gene Hackman could play anyone, and you could feel a whole life behind it. He could be everyone and no one, a towering presence or an everyday Joe. That’s how powerful an actor he was. He will be missed, but his work will live on forever.”
We have lost one of the true giants of the screen. Gene Hackman could play anyone, and you could feel a whole life behind it. He could be everyone and no one, a towering presence or an everyday Joe. That’s how powerful an actor he was. He will be missed, but his work will live on… pic.twitter.com/OfmXVCG0jt
— George Takei (@GeorgeTakei) February 27, 2025
Marines, we lost a legend today. Gene Hackman, who enlisted in the Corps at 16, has passed away at the age of 95.
David Letterman once asked him about the circumstances that led to his decision to join the Corps. I believe he said it was the Dress Blues!
We have the watch! 🫡 pic.twitter.com/i3lSZVdQh9
— 𝕃𝕚𝕖𝕦𝕥𝕖𝕟𝕒𝕟𝕥 ℂ𝕠𝕝𝕠𝕟𝕖𝕝 ℙ 🪖 (@TheLtColUSMC) February 27, 2025
BREAKING: Gene Hackman, the prolific and versatile two-time Oscar-winning actor whose career spanned five decades, has died at 95 after he and his wife were found dead in their home Wednesday afternoon. https://t.co/uoHfBjpv3g pic.twitter.com/KX1fk4I5t0
— ABC News (@ABC) February 27, 2025
1930-2025: Oscar-winning actor Gene Hackman, his wife, and their dog were found dead in their Santa Fe home. Police are still investigating the cause of death but do not suspect foul play. pic.twitter.com/B3MR3xH0K2
— Fox News (@FoxNews) February 27, 2025
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