Star of WWII Film “A Bridge Too Far,” Gene Hackman, Wife Betsy Arakawa, and Dog Found Dead in New Mexico Home

Gene Hackman, the Oscar-winning actor, and his wife, Betsy Arakawa, were found dead in their New Mexico home, according to the Santa Fe County Sheriff’s Office. Hackman was 95 years old.

Authorities have not yet confirmed the cause of death, but there is no suspicion of foul play. Deputies conducted a welfare check at the couple’s home around 1:45 p.m. on Wednesday, where they discovered Hackman, Arakawa, and their dog. The sheriff’s office stated that an investigation is ongoing.

Authorities Alerted and Investigation Underway

A neighbor had called authorities out of concern for the couple’s wellbeing. Chris Ramirez, spokesperson for the New Mexico medical investigator’s office, said final medical reports determining the cause of death typically take four to six weeks.

Hackman built a career playing strong-willed and complex characters in films such as The French Connection, Hoosiers, Unforgiven, and The Firm. He was often cast as a conflicted authority figure or a calculated villain, such as Lex Luthor in the Superman films of the 1970s and ’80s. His roles frequently carried an edge of intimidation.

Gene Hackman’s Iconic Roles and Awards

He won his first Academy Award for his portrayal of New York detective Popeye Doyle in The French Connection (1971). The role showed a determined officer willing to go to great lengths to solve a case. In The Conversation (1974), Hackman played a surveillance expert so consumed by his work that he struggled to separate his personal life from his profession. His second Oscar came from playing Little Bill Daggett, a ruthless sheriff, in Clint Eastwood’s Unforgiven (1992).

Hackman also had a strong presence in war films, particularly those centered on World War II. One of his most famous roles was in A Bridge Too Far (1977), where he played Major General Stanisław Sosabowski, a Polish military commander involved in Operation Market Garden. The film depicted the ambitious but ultimately flawed Allied plan to capture key bridges in the Netherlands. He also starred in The Enemy Below (1957), a tense naval battle film about a U.S. destroyer confronting a German U-boat, and Behind Enemy Lines (2001), where he portrayed an admiral overseeing a mission to rescue a downed American pilot. His work in these films showcased his ability to bring depth to military leadership roles.

Tributes and Reactions to Gene Hackman’s Passing

After news of his death spread, celebrities and fans shared their thoughts on social media. Director Francis Ford Coppola, who worked with Hackman on The Conversation, said, “The loss of a great artist, always cause for both mourning and celebration.”

“A great actor, inspiring and magnificent in his work and complexity. I mourn his loss, and celebrate his existence and contribution,” Coppola added.

Actor and writer George Takei honored Hackman’s talent, calling him “one of the true giants of the screen.” In a social media post, Takei wrote, “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. He will be missed, but his work will live on forever.”

Journey to Stardom and Life After Hollywood

Hackman’s rise to fame took time. He did not gain widespread recognition until 1967, when he played Buck Barrow in Bonnie and Clyde. He landed that role after losing out on playing Mr. Robinson in The Graduate. Before his acting career took off, he served in the Marines, worked various jobs in California and New York, and even shared a New York apartment with Dustin Hoffman.

By 2004, Hackman had stepped away from acting. He did not take on any new on-camera roles after that.

In retirement, Hackman lived in Santa Fe with Arakawa, a former classical pianist. The couple maintained a quiet life, staying out of the public spotlight. Hackman had three children from his first marriage to Faye Maltese, who passed away in 2017.