Legendary actor Gene Hackman, wife and dog found dead inside New Mexico home: police

Gene Hackman and Betsy Arakawa during 20th Annual People's Choice Awards.
Actor Gene Hackman and his wife, Betsy Arakawa, have been found dead in their Santa Fe, New Mexico home, police said.Ron Galella Collection via Getty Images
Actor Gene Hackman and his wife, Betsy Arakawa, have been found dead in their Santa Fe, New Mexico home, police said.

Santa Fe County police discovered the lifeless bodies of the two-time Oscar winner, 95, and the classical pianist, 63, on Wednesday.

The couple, who had been married since 1991, were found dead alongside their dog.

Santa Fe County Sheriff Adan Mendoza confirmed the news to the Santa Fe New Mexican on Thursday, saying no foul play is suspected.
Gene Hackman and wife Betsy attend the DW Griffith Awards at the Equitable Center.
The couple, who had been married since 1991, were found dead alongside their dog.Ron Galella Collection via Getty Images

Mendoza added that there is no official cause of death at this time.

The iconic actor, best known for his roles in “The French Connection” — which he claimed he only watched once — “Bonnie and Clyde” and “The Royal Tenenbaums,” had celebrated his 95th birthday last month.

Hackman also starred in “Young Frankenstein” (1974), “Night Moves” (1975), “Bite the Bullet” (1975), “Superman” (1978), and even Clint Eastwood’s “Unforgiven” (1992), which gave him a Best Supporting Actor Oscar.

Gene Hackman and wife Betsy smile in a black and white image.
No foul play is suspected and no cause of death was given at this time.ullstein bild via Getty Images
He also landed major roles in “The Poseidon Adventure” (1972), “Hoosiers” (1986), “The Firm” (1993), and “The Royal Tenenbaums” (2001).

Hackman’s prolific resume includes two Oscars, three Golden Globes and the Cecil B. DeMille Award, which he received in 2003.

At that glitzy Los Angeles ceremony, Hackman was honored for “outstanding contributions to the world of entertainment,” which was presented to him by Michael Caine and the late Robin Williams.

While he was known to shy away from the spotlight in recent years, Hackman had actually quit acting back in 2004. His last project was “Welcome to Mooseport.”

He and his wife subsequently traded their Los Angeles home for a new spot in New Mexico, where they had resided ever since.

Hackman is survived by three children, Christopher, Elizabeth Jean and Leslie Anne, with his late ex-wife, Faye Maltese.