Hollywood Mourns: Oscar-Winning Actor Gene Hackman and Wife Betsy Arakawa Found Dead in Their Home

TDT | Manama
Email : editor@newsofbahrain.com

Legendary actor Gene Hackman, 95, and his wife, Betsy Arakawa, 63, were found dead at their Santa Fe home on Wednesday. Authorities confirmed that no foul play is suspected, though an official cause of death has not yet been determined. Their pet dog was also found deceased.

The Santa Fe County Sheriff’s Office conducted a welfare check at the couple’s residence after concerns were raised about their well-being. “We are in the early stages of a preliminary death investigation and awaiting a search warrant,” a spokesperson told The Santa Fe New Mexican. Officials assured the public that there is no ongoing threat to the community.

A Cinematic Legend

Gene Hackman was one of Hollywood’s most revered actors, with a career spanning five decades. He won two Academy Awards—Best Actor for The French Connection (1971) and Best Supporting Actor for Unforgiven (1992). His performances were widely praised for their intensity and authenticity.

His filmography includes classics such as Bonnie and Clyde, The Conversation, Superman, Mississippi Burning, Crimson Tide, The Quick and the Dead, The Firm, The Birdcage, and The Royal Tenenbaums.

Hackman retired from acting after his final film, Welcome to Mooseport (2004), choosing a quiet life away from Hollywood.

A Life Beyond the Spotlight

Born in San Bernardino, California, Hackman grew up in Illinois before joining the U.S. Marine Corps at 16. After his military service, he pursued journalism and later acting, training at the Pasadena Playhouse.

Beyond film, Hackman was a talented writer, co-authoring several historical fiction novels and publishing a solo novel, Payback at Morning Peak (2011).

A Quiet Life Together

Hackman married Betsy Arakawa, a classical pianist, in 1991. The couple lived a private life in Santa Fe, away from Hollywood’s spotlight.

He is survived by his three children—Christopher, Elizabeth Jean, and Leslie Anne—from his previous marriage to Faye Maltese.

His passing comes just days before the 2025 Academy Awards, marking the end of an era for one of cinema’s most iconic stars.