Oscar-winning actor Gene Hackman, his wife Betsy Arakawa, and their dog were discovered dead in their New Mexico residence, authorities confirmed Thursday. While foul play has been ruled out, officials have not revealed the cause of death as investigations continue. Sheriff’s deputies made the discovery during a welfare check at approximately 1:45 p.m. Wednesday, according to Santa Fe County Sheriff’s Office spokesperson Denise Avila.
Hackman, who passed away at 95, stood among the most accomplished actors of his era. Known for his versatility, he brilliantly portrayed villains, heroes, and complex characters across numerous films from the 1960s until his retirement in the early 2000s. His extraordinary talent earned him five Oscar nominations and two wins—for “The French Connection” in 1972 and “Unforgiven” twenty years later. His passing occurs just days before this year’s Academy Awards ceremony.
Arakawa, 63, a classically trained pianist with Hawaiian roots, met Hackman while working part-time at a California gym in the mid-1980s. Their relationship quickly blossomed, and by decade’s end, the couple had established themselves in Santa Fe.
The pair settled in a modest Southwestern-style ranch home valued at approximately $1 million—notably humble compared to the neighboring $7.9 million estate. Their 2,300 square-foot residence, built in 2000, sits on an acre of land in a gated community with stunning Rocky Mountain views.
Following his acting career, Hackman embraced writing, co-authoring the adventure novel “Wake of the Perdido Star” with Daniel Lenihan in 1999. He later published two solo works, including his final novel “Pursuit” in 2013, which follows a female police officer tracking a dangerous predator.
While Hackman was frequently spotted around Santa Fe during his first decades there—even serving on the Georgia O’Keeffe Museum board in the 1990s—he had become increasingly private in recent years. His rare public appearances generated significant media attention, with publications reporting on routine activities like filling his car with gas or ordering fast food.
Unlike many Hollywood retirees who eventually return to acting, Hackman maintained his retirement for approximately two decades, largely avoiding industry social events. He shared a quiet life with Arakawa, enjoying simple pleasures like watching DVDs of independent films. “We like simple stories that some of the little low-budget films manage to produce,” he told Empire magazine in 2020.
Hackman had three children from a previous marriage. His publicist has not yet responded to requests for comment.
