Gene Hackman, Known For Superman, Found Dead With Wife

/ Thursday, February 27, 2025 - 5:02AM
Gene Hackman, Known For Superman, Found Dead With Wife

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.

gene jackman french connection
Gene Hackman in The French Connection

Cause of death under investigation

The cause of death is under investigation; we’ll update when news becomes available.

Update: Details include the couple were found dead in separate bedrooms. One of their three dogs was also found dead inside a closet. While the couple was found Wednesday, it’s reported the police were not able to identity the bodies until Thursday, according to Albuquerque, NM’s KOB-TV Channel 4, and they don’t know when they died.

Additional details:

Friday update:

  • Investigators say they are not ruling out carbon monoxide poisoning or foul play
  • Toxicology reports underway
  • Again said no signs of foul play, but the cause remains a mystery (via Today)
  • Hackman’s daughter, Leslie, said her father had no major health issues (via Daily Mail)

Previously from Thursday morning:

  • Two maintenance workers found the front door open and hadn’t spoken to the couple in two weeks.
  • When they arrived, deputies confirmed the front door of the home was open. They also confirmed no forced entry into the home.
  • Betsy Arakawa was found near a bathroom countertop with an open pill bottle and pills scattered across the countertop. A space heater was found near her head, which may have been a result of her suddenly falling.
  • Gene Hackman was found near the kitchen area, where it appeared he “suddenly fell,” and they found a pair of sunglasses near his body.
  • No signs of  of a carbon monoxide leak or poisoning.
  • No immediate signs or indication of blunt force trauma.
  • The two additional dogs found are healthy.
  • Deputies don’t suspect foul play.
  • The couple may have been dead for two weeks.
  • The Daily Mail adds the couple were found mummified at Hackman’s mansion.
  • The investigation is ongoing.
  • Police believe the deaths are “suspicious enough” to warrant a full probe.
  • Further details are expected Thursday night.
superman gene hackman
Christopher Reeve and Gene Hackman in Superman

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.

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About The Author

Patrick enjoys writing about pop culture and one day hopes to break into the industry with his own comic books, animation, and more. He also likes computer engineering and writing his own code.

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