Gene Hackman, the Oscar-winning actor known for The French Connection, Unforgiven, and for playing Lex Luthor in the Superman movies has died at 95. His wife, Betsy Arakawa, 63, was also found dead at their home in Santa Fe, New Mexico.
No Foul Play Suspected
Authorities responded to their residence on Wednesday afternoon. The Santa Fe County Sheriff’s Office stated that while the cause of death is under investigation, no foul play is suspected. Local reports indicate that the couple’s dog was also found dead.
“On February 26, 2025 at approximately 1:45 p.m., 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,” a statement from the Santa Fe County Sheriff’s office said via Fox News.
Hackman had three children with his late ex-wife, Faye Maltese.
The cause of death is under investigation; we’ll update when news becomes available.
Oscar-winning actor Gene Hackman, wife found dead in Santa Fe home https://t.co/Rl4GPl0NT4
— Fox News (@FoxNews) February 27, 2025
RIP: Legendary actor Gene Hackman, 95, and wife Betsy Arakawa, 63, found dead with their dog in their Santa Fe home. Sheriff: No foul play suspected. Cause of death unknown. Hackman won Oscars for "The French Connection" and "Unforgiven. pic.twitter.com/Dj7yE60RNl
— Breaking911 (@Breaking911) February 27, 2025
A Legendary Hollywood Career
Born in 1930, Gene Hackman pursued acting after serving in the U.S. Marine Corps. His breakout role came in Bonnie and Clyde (1967), earning him an Oscar nomination. He won his first Academy Award for The French Connection (1971) and a second for Unforgiven (1992).
Hackman also made his mark in Superman (1978) as Lex Luthor starring along side the late Christopher Reeve in the Richard Donner films, The Conversation (1974), Hoosiers (1986), The Birdcage (1996), and The Royal Tenenbaums (2001). He retired from acting after Welcome to Mooseport (2004) and focused on writing novels.
Hollywood Mourns His Passing
Tributes have poured in for Hackman, recognized as one of Hollywood’s finest actors. Clint Eastwood once convinced him to join Unforgiven, calling him irreplaceable for the role. His impact on film and storytelling remains a lasting legacy.
Clint Eastwood once convinced him to join Unforgiven, calling him irreplaceable for the role. His impact on film and storytelling remains a lasting legacy.
Gene Hackman leaves behind a body of work that shaped generations of cinema.
We have lost one of the true giants of the screen. Gene Hackman could play anyone, and you could feel a whole life behind it. He could be everyone and no one, a towering presence or an everyday Joe. That’s how powerful an actor he was. He will be missed, but his work will live on… pic.twitter.com/OfmXVCG0jt
— George Takei (@GeorgeTakei) February 27, 2025
Aside from the very sad circumstances of his death, Gene Hackman was one of the all-time great actors and brilliant in everything he ever did from French Connection and Unforgiven to Mississippi Burning, The Conversation and Superman. We’ve lost a giant of the big screen. pic.twitter.com/usA27asrdP
— Piers Morgan (@piersmorgan) February 27, 2025
