Gene Hackman Found Dead With Wife; Actor Was 95

Oscar-winning actor Gene Hackman has died at the age of 95. He was reportedly found dead at his home in Santa Fe, New Mexico with his wife Betsy Arakawa, who was 64, and their dog per police reports.

The actor won two Academy Awards—for his role as Jimmy “Popeye” Doyle in William Friedkin’s thriller The French Connection in 1971 and for best-ing actor for playing Little Bill Daggett in Clint Eastwood’s Unforgiven. His career spanned over six decades before he retired in 2005.

A statement from the Santa Fe County Sheriff in New Mexico (via BBC News) 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.”

He is also best known for his role as Lex Luthor in three Superman films alongside Christopher Reeve, which spanned from 1978 to 1987. He also starred in Mississippi Burning, The Royal Tenebaums, Bonnie and Clyde, Reds, Crimson Tide, and The Conversation, amongst many others in his rich and varied career.

The Santa Fe County Sheriff’s office said: “On 26 February, 2025 at approximately 1:45 p.m., Santa Fe County Sheriff’s deputies were dispatched to an address on Old Sunset Trail in Hyde Park where Gene Hackman, 95 and his wife Betsy Arakawa, 64 and a dog were found deceased.”