Hollywood Legend Gene Hackman and His Wife Found Dead at Their Home
Oscar-winning actor Gene Hackman, his wife Betsy Arakawa, and their dog were found dead in their home in Santa Fe, New Mexico, according to a report from the BBC. The Santa Fe County Sheriff’s Office confirmed their deaths and stated that no foul play is suspected at this time.
Hackman, who was 95 years old, was one of Hollywood’s most respected actors, known for his roles in films like The French Connection and Unforgiven, both of which earned him Academy Awards. His wife, Betsy Arakawa, was a classical pianist and 63 years old. The BBC reported that law enforcement discovered their bodies on February 26, 2025, at around 1:45 PM at their residence on Sunset Trail.
Throughout his six-decade career, Hackman became famous for playing tough, complex characters. He starred in over 100 films, including Superman, where he played the villain Lex Luthor, as well as Bonnie and Clyde, Mississippi Burning, and The Royal Tenenbaums. The BBC highlighted that he was known for his powerful screen presence, which allowed him to play both heroes and villains with equal intensity.
Many Hollywood stars and filmmakers have paid tribute to Hackman. Director Francis Ford Coppola, who worked with him on The Conversation, called him a “great artist” and mourned his passing. Actress Valerie Perrine, who starred with Hackman in Superman, described him as “a genius” and said his work will be remembered forever. Star Trek actor George Takei also praised Hackman, saying he could “play anyone and make you believe it.”
Hackman retired from acting in 2004, after starring in Welcome to Mooseport, and shifted his focus to writing novels. In an interview, he told the BBC that he had no plans to return to acting, despite his love for the craft. He said he wanted to avoid the pressures of fame and focus on a quieter life.
The BBC noted that Hackman lived a fascinating life even before Hollywood. Born in California in 1930, he joined the U.S. Marine Corps at age 16 and served in China, Hawai’i, and Japan before being discharged in 1951. He later studied journalism before pursuing his dream of acting.
Hackman’s death marks the end of an era in Hollywood. As the BBC pointed out, he was one of the last surviving actors from a golden age of cinema.
His work influenced generations of actors, and his legacy will live on through the many unforgettable films he left behind.
Credit : BBC
https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/cewkkkvkzn9o