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Gene Hackman dead: French Connection actor and wife found in New Mexico home

By and 02/27/2025 | updated 6 months ago

Gene Hackman was found dead in his New Mexico home on Wednesday afternoon, along with his wife, pianist Betsy Arakawa, and their dog. Their remains were discovered after local authorities conducted a wellness check.

Hackman, who won two Academy Awards for roles in The French Connection and Unforgiven, was 95 years old, and Arakawa was 63. 

Santa Fe County Sheriff Adan Mendoza announced the deaths early Thursday morning, the Santa Fe New Mexican reported. No cause of death was reported for either person, but law enforcement officials said there was no immediate evidence of foul play.

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Before becoming an actor, Hackman served five years in the United States Marine Corps. He debuted in the 1964 film Lilith and had a career that spanned four decades. He won a Best Actor Oscar in 1972 for The French Connection and another for best supporting actor in 1993 for Unforgiven. His other famous roles include being a basketball coach in Hoosiers, a football coach in The Replacements, and comic book villain Lex Luthor in the Superman series starring Christopher Reeve as the titular character.

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Hackman retired from acting in 2004. 

“I haven’t held a press conference to announce retirement, but yes, I’m not going to act any longer,” the two-time Oscar winner said in an interview in 2008. “I’ve been told not to say that over the last few years, in case some real wonderful part comes up, but I really don’t want to do it any longer.” 

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He later transitioned into a career as an author, releasing three books after retiring from Hollywood. 

Hackman is survived by his three children from his first marriage. 

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