Legendary actor Gene Hackman, a two-time Academy Award winner known for his roles in "The French Connection" and "Unforgiven," was found dead at the age of 95 alongside his wife, classical pianist Betsy Arakawa, 64.

 Authorities in Santa Fe, New Mexico, reported the discovery but have not yet determined the cause of death. While foul play is not suspected, law enforcement officials described the circumstances as "suspicious enough in nature" to warrant further investigation.

He married Arakawa in 1991.

Hackman spent the last two decades in Santa Fe with Arakawa. After he retired, he became an author and lived a quiet life away from Hollywood. 

He was previously married to Faye Maltese. And is survived by their three children and grandchildren. Maltese passed away in 2017.

Details of the Investigation

The couple was discovered Wednesday afternoon at a residence owned by Arakawa.

 Hackman’s body was found near the kitchen, while Arakawa was found in a bathroom next to an open pill bottle. Authorities noted that both appeared to have fallen suddenly.

Initial investigations ruled out carbon monoxide poisoning or a natural gas leak as potential causes. A search warrant was issued to look for controlled substances, weapons, and DNA. It is unknown if any evidence was seized. 

A spokesperson for the Santa Fe Sheriff’s Office stated, “Foul play is not suspected as a factor in those deaths at this time.” The final medical examiner’s report may take four to six weeks.

Officers discovered a deceased German shepherd near Arakawa’s body, while two other dogs were found unharmed. A maintenance worker who had been in touch with the couple two weeks prior alerted authorities.

The investigation is ongoing.

A Career Marked by Award-Winning Performances

Hackman was widely regarded as an "actor’s actor," sought after by top directors and admired by his peers. Known for his rugged, unconventional appearance, he paved the way for non-traditional leading men.

His most iconic role was that of Jimmy “Popeye” Doyle, the aggressive narcotics officer in the 1971 classic "The French Connection."

Director William Friedkin once recalled how Hackman struggled with the character’s violent and racist nature. “I knew I had to get him angry,” Friedkin said during a 2016 Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences event.

Hackman earned multiple Academy Award nominations throughout his career:

• Best Supporting Actor (1971): "I Never Sang for My Father"
• Best Actor (1971): "The French Connection" (Won)
• Best Actor (1989): "Mississippi Burning"
• Best Supporting Actor (1992): "Unforgiven" (Won)

His filmography showcased his versatility, from playing a priest in "The Poseidon Adventure" to portraying Lex Luthor in the "Superman" series. Other notable performances included:

• "Young Frankenstein" – A blind man
• "The Conversation" – A surveillance expert
• "Hoosiers" – A high school basketball coach
• "Get Shorty" – A Hollywood producer
• "Enemy of the State" – A paranoid intelligence expert
• "The Royal Tenenbaums" – The estranged father of eccentric geniuses

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Retirement and Literary Pursuits

Hackman retired from acting in 2004 after starring in "Welcome to Mooseport." Speaking with CNN’s Larry King that same year, he admitted, “It’s probably all over.” He then transitioned into a career as an author. His wife word-processed his work.

He wrote and co-wrote with Daniel Lenihan five historical fiction novels, including:

• Wake of the Perdido Star
• Justice for None
• Escape from Andersonville
• Payback at Morning Peak
• Pursuit

His last book came out in 2013.

A Legacy That Endures

Gene Hackman’s influence on the film industry remains undeniable. James Lipton, the longtime host of "Inside the Actors Studio," once noted that Hackman’s name was mentioned more than any other when actors were asked about their greatest influences.

Born Gene Allen Hackman in San Bernardino, California, on January 30, 1930, he credited his love for film to his Canadian-born mother, a waitress who frequently took him to the movies. 

Tragically, she died in a house fire in 1962, two years before his breakthrough role in film.

Hackman’s life took an unconventional path—at just 16, he lied about his age to join the Marines, serving in China while his high school peers remained stateside.

After his military service, he worked as a furniture mover and doorman before studying acting at the Pasadena Playhouse in his late 20s.

Gene Hackman’s passing marks the end of an era, but his remarkable contributions to film and literature will ensure that his legacy will endure for generations.

His daughters and granddaughter released a statement.

 “He was loved and admired by millions around the world for his brilliant acting career, but to us, he was always just Dad and Grandpa. We will miss him sorely and are devastated by the loss.”