Gene Hackman and wife Betsy Arakawa found dead in New Mexico home

Award winning actor Gene Hackman and his wife, pianist Betsy Arakawa, were found dead in their New Mexico home on Wednesday afternoon.

Santa Fe County Sheriff's Office released a statement, saying: "On February 26 2025 at approximately 1.45pm [8.45pm GMT], Santa Fe County Sheriff's deputies were dispatched to an address on Old Sunset Trail in Hyde Park where Gene Hackman, 95, and his wife Betsy Arakawa, 64, and a dog were found deceased."

They confirmed that an active investigation has been launched, clarifying that "foul play is not suspected as a factor in those deaths at this time - however, exact cause of death has not been determined."

Hackman began pursuing an acting career in 1956. He joined the Pasadena Playhouse, where he met the now highly-acclaimed Dustin Hoffman. Following a move to New York, the pair met and lived with another futrue star, Robert Duvall, while they searched for their big break.

Through the 1960s, Hackman worked his way up through theatre, first off-Broadway, then more successful Broadway roles, making his film debut, until his first big hit - his performance as Buck Barrow in Bonnie & Clyde alongside Warren Beatty in 1967. Hackman received his first Oscar nomination for the role, though ultimately did not win that year.

In 1971, Hackman landed the role that made him a true star - Jimmy 'Popeye' Doyle in The French Connection. For the role, he received his first Oscar, BAFTA, and Golden Globe. He went on to star in The French Connection II, several Superman films alongside Christopher Reeves, and many more.

Very little is known about his wife, who led a very private life - she never gave any interviews and had no presence on any social media.

Hackman retired in 2004, with two Oscars, two BAFTAs, and four Golden Globes.