Gene Hackman, two-time Academy Award winner, and his wife, Betsy Arakawa, were found deceased in their Santa Fe home on Wednesday, along with their dog. There were no immediate signs of foul play, but the cause of death remains unclear. The couple, married since 1991, had celebrated Hackman’s 95th birthday in January. Concerns about his health surfaced after a public sighting last year where he appeared frail.
Hackman, with a career spanning over 70 films, retired from acting in the late 2000s after winning two Academy Awards, including for The French Connection and Unforgiven. Post-retirement, he pursued painting, fishing, and writing, finding creative satisfaction in these hobbies. Hackman is survived by three children from his previous marriage. The loss of Hackman and Arakawa is a significant one, leaving behind an enduring legacy.