Gene Hackman and his wife, Betsy Arakawa, were found dead in their Santa Fe home earlier this week, shocking fans worldwide. Hackman, 95, had largely distanced himself from the public eye in recent years but made an appearance in 2024 after two decades of seclusion.
The couple, married since 1991, was seen leaving a restaurant in Albuquerque, New Mexico, where Hackman used a cane while holding his wife’s arm. They also lost their dog on February 26, 2025. Santa Fe County confirmed the deaths, though no foul play is suspected.
Hackman retired from acting in 2004 due to health concerns, after an extensive career in films like The French Connection and Mississippi Burning. He received numerous awards during his career, including two Academy Awards.