Actor, Gene Hackman, Wife, and Dog Found Dead at Home

Award-winning actor, Gene Hackman was found dead alongside his wife, Betsy Arakawa and their dog. They were found in their New Mexico home on Wednesday.

What Happened?

On Wednesday, February 26th around 1:45pm, deputies responded to a welfare check request by their neighbors. This is where they found the 95 year old actor, his 64 year old wife, and their dog deceased.

The Santa Fe Sheriff's Office reported that foul play was not suspected, however their cause of death is yet to be confirmed. An investigation is "active and ongoing."

This news comes just days before the Academy Awards are set to take place on Sunday, March 2nd.

Gene Hackman's Career

Gene Hackman's career in Hollywood spanned over five decades, establishing him as one of the most versatile and respected actors of his generation.

He first gained widespread recognition for his role in "Bonnie and Clyde" (1967), which earned him an Academy Award nomination.

Hackman went on to win two Oscars: Best Actor for his portrayal of Jimmy "Popeye" Doyle in "The French Connection" (1971) and Best Supporting Actor for his role as Little Bill Daggett in "Unforgiven" (1992).

His impressive filmography includes iconic performances in movies such as "The Conversation" (1974), "Superman" (1978) as Lex Luthor, "Hoosiers" (1986), "Mississippi Burning" (1988), and "The Royal Tenenbaums" (2001).

Hackman also received three Golden Globe Awards and two BAFTAs throughout his career.

Known for his naturalistic acting style and ability to bring depth to every character, Hackman's final film appearance was in "Welcome to Mooseport" (2004) before he announced his retirement from acting. His contributions to cinema have left an unforgettable mark on the industry, inspiring generations of actors and filmmakers.

The World Reacts

Celebrities and fans have started sharing heartfelt tributes on social media to honor the late Hollywood legend Gene Hackman.

Oscar-winning director Francis Ford Coppola, who collaborated with Hackman on the film "The Conversation," expressed his feelings by saying, "The loss of a great artist is always something to mourn and celebrate." He added that Hackman was "a great actor, inspiring and magnificent in his work and complexity," and he mourned his passing while celebrating his life and contributions to film.

Actor and writer George Takei described Hackman as "one of the true giants of the screen" in a social media post.

He praised Hackman's ability to portray a wide range of characters, saying, "Gene Hackman could play anyone, and you could feel a whole life behind it. He could be everyone and no one, a towering presence or an everyday Joe."

Takei concluded by saying that Hackman will be missed, but his remarkable work will live on forever.