Gene Hackman and his wife Betsy Arakawa find death in New Mexico

Oscar-winning actor Gene Hackman, his wife and classical pianist Betsy Arakawa and their dog died yesterday February 27, 2025 in Santa Fe, New Mexico.

Details about Hackman's 95-year-old and Arakawa, 63-year-old, come from local authorities, who say no foul case is suspected (by AP). They were found in welfare checks made at 1:45 p.m., according to Denise Avila, a spokesman for the Santa Fe County Sheriff’s Office. The cause of death was not revealed at the time of publication.

Updated 9:27 AM PT: follow up Report from variety shows According to the search warrant, the deaths of Hackman and Arakawa were revealed to be “suspicious enough in nature to require a thorough search and investigation”. The warrant continues to list many details that led to the ruling, including the late dog, the front door was unlocked and opened, the heater was moved, scattered on the floor next to Arakawa, with no obvious signs of gas leaks.

The original story continues:

“We can confirm that both Gene Hackman and his wife died Wednesday afternoon at their residence on the Sunset Trail.” BBC from Santa Fe County Sheriff said. “It’s a positive investigation – but at the moment we don’t think fouls are a factor.”

Hackman started his career in the film in the 1960s, but he may be known for his original reality show, Lex Luthor, in three Superman movies led by Christopher Reever. The four-movie series premiered in the late 1970s and late 1980s and is a template for many comic films that will eventually last over the past two decades.

Hackman's time on screen also goes far beyond the world of comic books. The honor of the legendary actor can be traced back to TV series such as Defender and Brenner. In 1971, he starred in William Friedkin's The French Connection as Jimmy Doyle 44th Academy Awards. His second Oscar win – this time best actor in supporting roles in 1992’s non-original roles – Arrival 65th Academy Awards. Hackman retired from films in the mid-2000s.

Fans of Hackman’s work have entered social media to share mourning and remember the talent he brought to the film industry. Highlights include clips of some of his most memorable scenes as audiences celebrate his impact on actors and filmmakers everywhere.

Gene Hackman performed as well as the legend. Under his rough appearance, it could be playful, sinister, and still could be so fragile, and he never came to be as natural as he was performing. Incredible faces, incredible hairlines, they no longer create stars like him. RIP

– Mr. Chau (@SrirachaChau) February 27, 2025

We lost one of the real giants on the screen. Gene Hackman can play anyone and you can feel it for a lifetime. He may be everyone, no one, towering presence or everyday Joe. This is how powerful his actors are. He will miss it, but his work will continue… pic.twitter.com/ofmxvcg0jt

– George Takei (@georgetakei) February 27, 2025

A picture is worth one thousand words.

Rest in peace, Gene Hackman (1930-2025) pic.twitter.com/slchbd1k4k

– Movie Tweets (@cinematweets1) February 27, 2025

Gene Hackman died at the age of 95
Gene and Denzel Washington in Crimson Tide (1995) are one of the most powerful scenes ever. He is the absolute titan of the cinema. Today we lost an icon.
RIP Gene Hackman pic.twitter.com/tmgmrl7yll

– Sting (@thestingisback) February 27, 2025

Michael Cripe is a freelancer at IGN. He is known for his work on sites like courts, escape divisions and the only SPS. Be sure to follow him on Bluesky (@mikecripe.bsky.social) and Twitter (@mikecripe).

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