Gene Hackman Death and Obituary – On February 26, 2025, the world lost one of Hollywood’s most revered actors, Gene Hackman, at the age of 95. His wife, 63-year-old classical pianist Betsy Arakawa, was also found dead alongside him at their Santa Fe, New Mexico home, along with their dog. The tragic discovery was confirmed by Santa Fe County Sheriff Adan Mendoza, who reported that while an investigation is ongoing, no foul play is suspected at this time. The precise cause of death remains undetermined.
Gene Hackman, born on January 30, 1930, in San Bernardino, California, had a life filled with both challenges and triumphs. Raised amidst difficulties, Hackman experienced the impact of his parents’ divorce at the age of 13 and the subsequent death of his mother in 1962. His early life was marked by perseverance, as Hackman enlisted in the U.S. Marine Corps at 16, where he served as a radio operator in China, Japan, and Hawaii. Following his military service, Hackman pursued journalism studies at the University of Illinois, though he soon found his true passion lay in acting. This led him to the Pasadena Playhouse in California, where he met and formed a lifelong friendship with fellow actor Dustin Hoffman.
Hackman’s acting career began in the early 1960s, initially with television roles and minor film parts. His breakthrough came in 1967 with the film Bonnie and Clyde, where his portrayal of Buck Barrow earned him an Academy Award nomination for Best Supporting Actor. This marked the beginning of a remarkable career that would span more than four decades. His subsequent roles solidified his place in Hollywood’s elite, with notable performances in The French Connection (1971), The Poseidon Adventure (1972), The Conversation (1974), and as the villainous Lex Luthor in Superman (1978). Hackman’s portrayal of Detective Jimmy “Popeye” Doyle in The French Connection earned him his first Academy Award for Best Actor, a distinction he would repeat in 1992 for his role in Clint Eastwood’s Unforgiven.
Hackman’s versatility was one of his trademarks, and he delivered memorable performances in a wide range of genres. He went on to appear in The Firm (1993), Crimson Tide (1995), and The Royal Tenenbaums (2001), a role that won him a Golden Globe for Best Actor. Over the course of his career, Hackman amassed numerous accolades, including two Academy Awards, four Golden Globes, and two BAFTA Awards. His ability to seamlessly embody a diverse array of characters made him one of the most respected actors of his time.
In his personal life, Hackman was first married to Faye Maltese in 1956, and together they had three children: Christopher, Elizabeth, and Leslie. They divorced in 1986. Hackman later married Betsy Arakawa in 1991, and the couple settled in Santa Fe, where they lived a more private life away from the limelight.
After retiring from acting in 2004, Hackman turned to writing. He co-authored several historical fiction novels with undersea archaeologist Daniel Lenihan, including Wake of the Perdido Star (1999) and Escape from Andersonville (2008). Hackman also wrote solo novels, such as Payback at Morning Peak (2011) and Pursuit (2013).
Hackman’s legacy in cinema is undeniable. His performances have left an indelible mark on the film industry, and his contributions to the art of storytelling continue to influence actors today. The news of his death, along with that of his wife, has led to an outpouring of tributes from across the entertainment industry and from his fans worldwide. As the investigation into their deaths continues, the world remembers Gene Hackman not only for his iconic roles on the screen but for his humility, commitment to his craft, and the richness he brought to the characters he portrayed.