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

Taylor Renouf
The Nightly
Gene Hackman and his wife Betsy.
Gene Hackman and his wife Betsy. Credit: Getty

Hollywood actor Gene Hackman, 95, has been found dead alongside his wife Betsy Arakawa, 63, and their pet dog.

Their bodies were discovered in the two-time Oscar winner’s New Mexico home on Thursday.

Police have launched an investigation but say there are no signs of foul play.

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“All I can say is that we’re in the middle of a preliminary death investigation, waiting on approval of a search warrant,” Santa Fe County sheriff Adan Mendoza said.

Christopher Reeve, left, and Gene Hackman, right.
Christopher Reeve, left, and Gene Hackman, right. Credit: CD HMB/AP

A cause of death is yet to be confirmed.

The actor — who is best known for his roles in The French Connection, Unforgiven, Bonnie and Clyde and Superman — won two Academy Awards, two BAFTA Awards and four Golden Globe Awards during his 40 year career.

He retired from acting in 2008 and moved away from the spotlight.

The couple were last photographed in March 2024 as they grabbed lunch at restaurant.

Hackman was pictured using a walking stick and holding on to his wife’s arm for balance.

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