Gene Hackman, a towering figure in Hollywood and winner of two Academy Awards, was tragically found deceased alongside his wife and beloved dog in their residence in New Mexico on Wednesday. It appears the couple may have been deceased for some time, although the cause of their deaths remains uncertain.
Hackman, aged 95, enjoyed a remarkable acting career with roles spanning both heroic and villainous characters in films such as “The French Connection,” “Hoosiers,” and “Superman.” His career, which commenced in the 1960s, continued until his retirement in the early 2000s.
Authorities continue to probe the circumstances surrounding their deaths, as fragments of information from the investigation continue to emerge. Currently, investigators in Santa Fe, New Mexico have yet to confirm the exact cause of the deaths.
A maintenance worker raised the alarm after discovering the bodies on Wednesday. According to a search warrant affidavit, he stumbled upon an open front door while performing routine tasks and saw Hackman’s wife, Betsy Arakawa, aged 63, lying on the floor through a window but could not enter the premises.
Hackman’s lifeless body was situated in the entryway, while Arakawa’s was found beside a space heater in a bathroom. On a nearby countertop, pills were discovered near an open prescription bottle, according to the warrant. The body of a German shepherd was also found in the bathroom closet, though two other dogs were alive on the premises.
Authorities have not indicated any signs of foul play but consider the circumstances “suspicious enough in nature to require a thorough search and investigation.” The New Mexico Gas Co. examined the gas lines at the residence but reported no apparent issues. Despite the possibility of gas exposure, no signs of leaks were detected.
Autopsy results for Hackman and Arakawa were not available as of Thursday. Hackman’s acting legacy, beginning with his debut in 1961’s “Mad Dog Coll,” spans decades and includes an array of iconic roles, such as Lex Luthor in the “Superman” series and a high school basketball coach in “Hoosiers.” His portrayal of a determined, morally complex officer in “The French Connection” in 1971 earned him an Oscar for best actor in a leading role, solidifying his place in cinematic history.
In response to his passing, Hollywood figures such as Francis Ford Coppola, Clint Eastwood, and Bill Murray have expressed their condolences. Murray, who worked with Hackman on Wes Anderson’s “The Royal Tenenbaums,” praised his professionalism, saying Hackman’s dedication often meant multiple takes until perfection was achieved. Fellow actor Cary Elwes referred to Hackman as a “force of nature,” while Steve Toussaint cited Hackman’s scenes as profound lessons in acting.
Betsy Arakawa, born in Hawaii in December 1959, was a talented pianist, performing in youth concerts in Honolulu during her childhood. Her academic journey took her to the University of Southern California until 1983. Her Los Angeles years featured an eclectic mix of roles, from cheerleading for the Los Angeles Aztecs to working on the television game show “Card Sharks.” Arakawa met Hackman while working at a gym in the mid-1980s, and the two soon relocated to Santa Fe.
In Santa Fe, Arakawa was vice president of a home decor store, Pandora’s. The couple’s hilltop ranch offered sweeping views of the Rocky Mountains, embodying the ideal retreat for artists and celebrities. According to property tax records, the home—featured in a 1990 Architectural Digest article—was valued at over $4 million.
In his later years, Hackman was seldom seen in public, living a quiet life spent painting, diving, and enjoying films with Arakawa. His days away from the limelight involved mundane activities, occasionally spotted buying essentials or eating at local fast-food outlets.
