Gene Hackman was last seen in public last year, when he was spotted holding hands with his wife Betsy Arakawa, who he married in 1991 before his death today aged 95
Oscar-winning star Gene Hackman has tragically passed away at the age of 95, alongside his wife Betsy Arakawa, 63, and their beloved pet dog in their Santa Fe Summit residence. The last public sighting of the couple was in New Mexico last year.
The pair were discovered deceased in their home with their dog, but authorities have ruled out any foul play connected to their untimely deaths, as reported by the Santa Fe New Mexican. Sheriff Mendoza confirmed no signs of foul play in a chat with the local news outlet, though an official cause or confirmation of their deaths is still pending.
A police statement shared with the PA news agency said: “On February 26 2025 at approximately 1.45pm, 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.
“Foul play is not suspected as a factor in those deaths at this time – however, exact cause of death has not been determined. This is an active and ongoing investigation by the Santa Fe County Sheriff’s Office.”
Gene, celebrated for his unforgettable performances in The French Connection, Unforgiven and Bonnie and Clyde, had become somewhat of a recluse since retiring from acting in 2004. His last public appearance was in March of the previous year, where the frail Hollywood icon was seen leaning on his wife Betsy for support during a meal at Pappadeaux’s in Santa Fe, New Mexico.
This outing marked the first time in two decades that Gene had been spotted in public with his wife. He was seen exiting a 7-Eleven dressed in cargo trousers, a plaid shirt, a grey zip-up vest and black trainers, reports the Mirror.
With an apple pie in one hand and a coffee in the other, he looked every bit the regular guy. Earlier that month, Gene was seen tending to his garden near his Santa Fe home during a solo outing.
Before hanging up his acting boots in 2004, Gene enjoyed a glittering career that spanned over six decades. He bagged the coveted Academy Award for Best Actor in 1972 for his stellar performance in The French Connection and later scooped another for his role in Unforgiven.
He also nabbed two BAFTA Film Awards for these same performances. His journey into film began in 1956 when he joined the Pasadena Playhouse alongside fellow silver screen icon Dustin Hoffman.
He made his TV debut just seven years later, landing minor roles before earning an Oscar nod for his performance in I Never Sang For My Father in 1970.
Gene’s final film appearance was in the 2004 political satire Welcome to Mooseport with Ray Romano, after clinching a Golden Globe Award for his portrayal of Royal O’Reilly Tenenbaum in Wes Anderson’s 2001 film The Royal Tenenbaums. Although Gene hasn’t graced our screens for 20 years, he continued lending his voice as a narrator for several television programmes, including 2016’s The Unknown Flag Raiser of Iwo Jima and 2017’s We, the Marines.
He even popped up as himself in the 2008 foodie reality show Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives on the Food Network.
Prince William is among those paying tribute, as he has said he is “so sad” to hear of the death of Gene and Betsy.
In a post signed with a “W”, to his shared X account with the Princess of Wales, he said: “So sad to hear the news of the death of Gene Hackman and his wife Betsy. Hackman was a true genius of film who brought each and every character to life with power, authenticity and star quality.”