Hollywood legend Gene Hackman found dead with wife at New Mexico home
Gene Hackman, the two-time Academy Award-winning actor known for his roles in 'The French Connection' and 'Unforgiven', was found dead along with his wife, Betsy Arakawa, and their dog at their New Mexico residence on Wednesday afternoon, media reports said.
He was 95, while Arakawa was 63.
According to the Santa Fe New Mexican, authorities have not found any immediate signs of foul play, though the Santa Fe County Sheriff's Office has launched an investigation.
Sheriff Adan Mendoza confirmed that Hackman, his wife, and their dog were discovered at their home at approximately 1:45 p.m.
"Foul play is not suspected as a factor in these deaths at this time, but the exact cause has not been determined. This remains an active and ongoing investigation," Mendoza was quoted as saying in a Reuters report.
Life and career
Hackman, regarded as one of Hollywood's finest actors, enjoyed a career spanning over four decades.
He won two Oscars—Best Actor for The French Connection (1971) and Best Supporting Actor for Unforgiven (1992)—along with four Golden Globes and two BAFTA Awards.
His portrayal of Lex Luthor in Superman (1978) and its sequel solidified his place in pop culture.
Other notable films in Hackman’s career include Hoosiers (1986) and The Royal Tenenbaums (2001).
His final screen appearance was in Welcome to Mooseport (2004), after which he officially retired from acting in 2008.
Born on January 30, 1930, Hackman was first married to Faye Maltese, with whom he had three children: Christopher Allen, Elizabeth Jean, and Leslie Anne Hackman.
After their divorce in 1986, he married pianist Betsy Arakawa in 1991.
Hackman spent his later years in Santa Fe, dedicating his time to writing novels and enjoying a private life.
Police have yet to determine the exact circumstances of his and his wife's deaths.
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