Gene Hackman, a celebrated two-time Oscar winner known for his roles in “The French Connection” and “Unforgiven,” was found dead alongside his wife, classical pianist Betsy Arakawa, in their Santa Fe, New Mexico home on Wednesday afternoon. The Santa Fe County Sheriff, Adan Mendoza, confirmed their deaths early Thursday. Authorities have not indicated any foul play, although the cause of death remains undisclosed. Hackman was 95, while Arakawa was 63.
On Wednesday, sheriff's deputies visited the residence of Hackman and Arakawa, who wed in 1991, discovering the couple deceased alongside their dog. "We’re in the middle of a preliminary death investigation, awaiting a search warrant," the sheriff told the Santa Fe New Mexican. The statement preceded the positive identification of the couple. "I want to assure the community and neighborhood that there’s no immediate danger to anyone," the sheriff added.
Gene Hackman is considered one of the great screen performers of the latter part of the 20th century. Known for his amiable grace, easy humor, and wide acting range, Hackman convincingly portrayed characters from lower-class underdogs to high-powered executives. He famously played a U.S. president in the 1997 film “Absolute Power” and a former president in his final film, “Welcome to Mooseport.”
Hackman transcended acting limitations through his sheer presence, earning admiration akin to contemporaries such as Robert De Niro, Al Pacino, and Dustin Hoffman. His breakout role came in 1967 as Clyde Barrow’s brother in “Bonnie and Clyde,” earning him his first Oscar nomination for Best Supporting Actor. His role as Jimmy “Popeye” Doyle in “The French Connection” won him an Academy Award for Best Actor, solidifying his place among American cinema’s greats.
Despite appearing in several poorly received films, Hackman consistently delivered surprise hits like “The French Connection II,” “The Firm,” and “The Poseidon Adventure.” His performance as Harry Caul in “The Conversation” remains lauded, as does his role in the Michael Ritchie ski film “Downhill Racer.” Hackman shone in films like “Under Fire,” “Night Moves,” and as Lex Luthor in the “Superman” films.
In his later years, Hackman maintained his on-screen confidence, often stealing scenes from bigger stars. He won a second Oscar for his role as a vicious sheriff in Clint Eastwood’s “Unforgiven.” Hackman’s other memorable performances include roles in “Crimson Tide,” “Get Shorty,” “The Quick and the Dead,” and “The Birdcage.”
Born Eugene Alden Hackman in San Bernardino, California, Hackman grew up in Danville, Illinois. At 16, he joined the Marine Corps, serving as a DJ and newscaster despite a microphone phobia. After the military, Hackman briefly studied journalism before pursuing acting in New York. He married his first wife, Faye Maltese, in 1956, with whom he had three children before divorcing in 1986.
Hackman enjoyed a successful stage career, earning recognition for his performances. His film debut came in 1964 with “Lilith,” leading to roles in several notable films. In 1990, Hackman and Arakawa made Santa Fe their home, and he continued acting for 14 years despite health issues. He also authored novels, including “Wake of the Perdido Star” and “Payback at Morning Peak.”
Gene Hackman is survived by his children, Christopher, Elizabeth, and Leslie.
