• Gene Hackman has died aged 95
  • His body was dead found alongside his wife Betsy Arakawa and dog
  • He was a multi-award winner known for a whole host of films
Gene Hackman
Gene Hackman was found dead in his New Mexico home

Oscar-winning actor Gene Hackman has been found dead in his New Mexico home, aged 95, after a long Hollywood career

His body was discovered alongside his wife, Betsy Arakawa, who also passed away aged 67. Their dog was also found dead at the scene.

Authorities remain unclear on what caused their deaths but asserted they aren’t suspecting “foul play” at this moment.

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A statement from Santa Fe County Sherriff said, “We can confirm that both Gene Hackman and his wife were found deceased Wednesday afternoon at their residence on Sunset Trail.

“This is an active investigation – however, at this time we do not believe that foul play was a factor.”

Santa Fe County Sheriff Adan Mendoza added later, “All I can say is that we’re in the middle of a preliminary death investigation, waiting on approval of a search warrant.”

Gene Hackman’s iconic acting career

Hackman racked up more than 100 film and TV credits during his decades-spanning career. These ranged from playing Superman villain Lex Luther in the films of the 1970s and 1980s to award-worthy performances.

Gene Hackman
Gene Hackman’s career spanned decades

After snagging his first Academy Award in 1971 for playing Jimmy ‘Popeye’ Doyle in The French Connection, he bagged another in 1992 for bringing to life Little Bill Daggett in Unforgiven. The Western was directed by Clint Eastwood.

Other Oscar-nominated roles included his breakout casting as Buck Barrow in the 1967 movie Bonnie and Clyde. The Academy recognised him again for I Never Sang For My Father and Mississippi Burning in 1970 and 1988, respectively.

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Where was Gene Hackman born?

The Royal Tenenbaums star was born and raised in the California town of San Bernardino in 1930. At age 16, he lied about his age to enlist in the United States Marine Corps and served for four and half years.

After leaving the military, he moved to New York and unearthed his passion for acting.

Following this decision, he returned and became a part of the Pasadena Playhouse. During his time there, Hackman became friends with the soon-to-be household name Dustin Hoffman.

Once, while reflecting on his career, the Runway Jury star mused that he was taught to be an actor and not to cope with fame.

Hackman said, “I was trained to be an actor, not a star. I was trained to play roles, not to deal with fame and agents and lawyers and the press.

“It really costs me a lot emotionally to watch myself on-screen. I think of myself, and feel like I’m quite young, and then I look at this old man with the baggy chins and the tired eyes and the receding hairline and all that,” he continued.

What did the internet say about the passing of Gene Hackman?

Social media was full of heartbreak and praise for the beloved, dearly departed actor.

“Man RIP Gene Hackman. Maybe the greatest actor we’ve ever had? Here he is being the best in Heist,” one person wrote.

Another said, “Gene Hackman’s about as good as it gets, a legend. Could be playful, menacing, could still be so vulnerable under his gruff exterior and he never ever seemed like he was acting, a total natural. Incredible face, incredible hairline, they don’t create stars like him anymore. RIP.”

“Gene Hackman, what can you say. Maybe cinema’s greatest portrayer of sly, sinuous, irascible pricks, armed with a shield of conniving charm and occasionally hiding a core of buried goodness or sadness. Impossible to name a fave, but always had a soft spot for Enemy of the State,” another wrote in tribute.

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Clara Hill
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