Legendary actor Gene Hackman and wife found dead with their dog in Santa Fe home; no foul play suspected

SANTA FE, NEW MEXICO: Hollywood legend Gene Hackman was discovered dead in his home, alongside his wife Betsy Arakawa, 63, and their dog, on the afternoon of Wednesday, February 26, the New York Post reported

The discovery was made by the Santa Fe County police, with Sheriff Adan Mendoza confirming the news on the following day. No foul play is being suspected in the death of the 95-year-old Academy Award-winning actor and his wife of 34 years.

The cause of death is yet to be announced. Hackman is survived by three children, Christopher, Elizabeth Jean, and Leslie Anne, whom he shared with his late ex-wife, Faye Maltese.

Gene Hackman's illustrious Hollywood career

With films such as 'The French Connection', 'Bonnie and Clyde', and 'The Royal Tenenbaums' under his belt, Gene Hackman is regarded as one of the most accomplished actors in Hollywood. He has won numerous accolades over his long career, which includes two Oscars, three Golden Globes, and the Cecil B DeMille Award.

Originally named after his father, Eugene Hackman, the star was born in California on January 30, 1930. At the age of 16, he joined the Marines and served four-and-a-half years in China, Japan, and Hawaii. After his return, he pursued a degree in journalism and television production at the University of Illinois.

However, Hackman's true calling was always acting, so he enrolled himself at the Pasadena Playhouse in California at the age of 27. There, he came across Dustin Hoffman and Robert Duvall, and the trio moved to New York City to launch their careers.

“There was a kind of feeling of Jack Kerouac at that time — ‘On the Road’ — kids just wanting to have a good time and kind of experience things. It didn’t have anything to do with being successful — just wanting to try this thing and see if it worked,” Hackman recalled his experience while speaking to Vanity Fair in 2004.

Hackman got his big Broadway break in 1964 at the age of 34 in 'Any Wednesday'. That got him a scene alongside Warren Beatty in 'Lilith' in the same year, which further led him to be cast as Beatty's older brother in 'Bonnie and Clyde' in 1967. The role got him his first Oscar nod.

Hackman went on to win his first Academy Award as Best Actor in 1972 for 'The French Connection'. The list of films he starred in is exhaustive but notably includes 'Young Frankenstein' (1974), 'Bite the Bullet' (1975), 'Unforgiven' (1992), and 'The Royal Tenenbaums' (2001), among many others.

For fans of the superhero genre, Hackman brought Lex Luthor to life in the 1978 'Superman' film, with the late Christopher Reeve playing the titular character.

Michael Caine called Hackman "one of the greatest actors” he knows in 2003 while presenting him with the Cecil B DeMille Award.

Late actor-comedian Robin Williams, who co-presented, said of the star, "Gene Hackman in Hollywood is known as an actor’s actor, but in my house, he’s known as a comedian’s comedian,” quipped Robin Williams, who co-presented the award. Whether it be comedy or drama, you’re the most gifted actor in America. You’re also a truly superhuman being."

Hackman retired from acting following the 2004 film 'Welcome to Mooseport' and settled down in New Mexico. He spent his days working on his other interests, such as “low-budget films,” painting, fishing, and writing.

Internet pays tribute to Gene Hackman after he is discovered dead in his home

Netizens were stunned to hear about the death of Gene Hackman and his wife Betsy and paid tribute to the legendary actor on social media.

"Absolute legend," wrote a person.

"Awfully sad. He was one of the best actors of his generation," shared another.

"What? That doesn't sound real," noted a third.

"The fact that even their dog passed too… something feels off. Rest in peace 💔 Legend!" posted one individual.

"One of the most prolific actors in history," stated another.

"Rest in Peace to a legend," one person remarked. 

This article contains remarks made on the Internet by individual people and organizations. MEAWW cannot confirm them independently and does not support claims or opinions being made online.