New Mexico: Gene Hackman and his wife, Betsy Arakawa, were found dead at their Santa Fe home on Sunset Trail. Their dog was also discovered deceased. The Santa Fe County Sheriff’s Office confirmed the news, stating that there were no immediate signs of foul play. Hackman was 95 years old, while his wife, a classical pianist, was 64.
A Storied Career Spanning Six Decades
Gene Hackman was among Hollywood’s most respected actors. He won two Oscars in his six-decade career—Best Actor for The French Connection (1971) and Best Supporting Actor for Unforgiven (1992). His roles in Bonnie and Clyde (1967), I Never Sang for My Father (1970), and Mississippi Burning (1988) also earned him Oscar nominations.
Hackman played Lex Luthor in the Superman films of the 1970s and 1980s, solidifying his place in pop culture. His other famous movies include The Conversation, The Poseidon Adventure, The Royal Tenenbaums, and Runaway Jury. In 2004, he retired from acting after starring in Welcome to Mooseport.
Tributes from Hollywood and Beyond
Tributes poured in from across the entertainment industry. Francis Ford Coppola called Hackman ‘a great artist’ and praised his depth. Valerie Perrine, his Superman co-star, described him as “one of the greatest to grace the silver screen.”
George Takei tweeted, ‘Gene Hackman could play anyone. His presence on screen was unmatched.” Bollywood star Anil Kapoor also honored him, calling him “a true legend whose legacy will live on.”
A Private Life Away from Hollywood
Born in California in 1930, Hackman had a challenging childhood. At 16, he enlisted in the U.S. Marine Corps, serving in China, Japan, and Hawaii before his discharge in 1951. He later pursued acting, attending the Pasadena Playhouse, where he befriended Dustin Hoffman.
Hackman was married twice. He and his first wife, Faye Maltese, had three children before divorcing in 1986. In his later years, he lived a quiet life in New Mexico with his second wife, Betsy Arakawa, away from Hollywood’s spotlight.
Retirement and Later Years
In 2008, Hackman confirmed he had no plans to return to acting, instead focusing on writing novels. “I was trained to be an actor, not a star,” he once said, emphasizing his discomfort with fame.
Despite his retirement, Hackman remained an icon in Hollywood. His performances continue to inspire actors and filmmakers worldwide.
Legacy of a Screen Giant
Gene Hackman’s passing ends an era. His roles and performances left a lasting mark on cinema. As fans mourn his loss, his legacy as one of the greatest actors in history remains unshaken.
