Oscar-winning actor Gene Hackman, wife and dog found dead in New Mexico home
Share and Follow


SANTA FE, N.M. (AP) Oscar-winning actor Gene Hackman, his wife and their dog were found dead in their New Mexico home, authorities said Thursday.

Foul play was not suspected, but authorities did not release circumstances of their deaths and said an investigation was ongoing.

Hackman, 95, was found dead with his wife Betsy Arakawa and their dog when deputies preformed a welfare check at the home around 1:45 p.m., Santa Fe County Sheriff’s Office spokesperson Denise Avila said.

The gruff-but-beloved Hackman was among the finest actors of his generation, appearing as both villains, heroes and antiheroes in dozens of dramas, comedies and action films from the 1960s until his retirement in the early 2000s.

He was a five-time Oscar nominee who won for “The French Connection” and “Unforgiven” 21 years apart. His death comes just four days before this year’s ceremony.

The couple’s home is in a gated community just outside New Mexico’s capital city. Hackman moved to the area in the 1980s, where he was often seen around town and served as a board member of the Georgia O’Keeffe Museum in the 1990s, according to the local paper, The New Mexican.

Aside from appearances at awards shows, he was rarely seen in the Hollywood social circuit and retired about 20 years ago. His was the rare Hollywood retirement that actually lasted.

In his later years, he wrote novels from the hilltop ranch that provided a view of the Rocky Mountains.

An email sent to his publicist was not immediately returned early Thursday.

Share and Follow
You May Also Like
Deckhand says he WAS driving speedboat that killed Kirsty MacColl

Deckhand Reveals He Was at the Helm in Kirsty MacColl’s Tragic Speedboat Accident

Twenty-five years have passed since the tragic death of iconic British singer…
City of Chicago budget vote: City Council passes alternative plan without corporate head tax, but Mayor Brandon Johnson can veto

Chicago City Council Approves Alternative Budget Plan Excluding Corporate Head Tax; Awaits Potential Veto from Mayor Brandon Johnson

The Chicago City Council has approved a budget plan for 2026, but…
US Coast Guard pursues third 'dark fleet' oil tanker as Trump targets Venezuelan sanctions evasion network

US Coast Guard Intensifies Crackdown on ‘Dark Fleet’ Oil Tankers Amid Trump’s Push Against Venezuelan Sanctions Evasion

The U.S. Coast Guard is currently tracking a sanctioned oil tanker near…
AG Pam Bondi has 'conflict of interest' in seeking death penalty against Luigi Mangione, defense says

Defense Claims Conflict of Interest for AG Pam Bondi in Luigi Mangione Death Penalty Case

NEW YORK — Lawyers representing Luigi Mangione, an accused murderer, are asserting…
Angela Bassett, Loretta Devine, Lela Rochon remember Whitney Houston over 'Waiting to Exhale' 30-year anniversary reunion

Reliving ‘Waiting to Exhale’: Angela Bassett, Loretta Devine, and Lela Rochon Celebrate 30 Years with Heartfelt Whitney Houston Tributes

LOS ANGELES — A beloved classic reaches a significant milestone! “Waiting to…
Power restored to most in San Francisco after massive outage

San Francisco Bounces Back: Power Restored to Majority After Widespread Outage

On Sunday morning, power was successfully restored to the majority of the…
J.T. Miller set to miss multiple Rangers games with injury

J.T. Miller sidelined for several Rangers games due to injury

NASHVILLE — The Rangers are facing a temporary setback as their captain,…
What I tried to do to my married boss at the Xmas party is inexcusable

Scandal Unwrapped: Employee’s Inexcusable Behavior Towards Married Boss at Office Christmas Party

Dear Jane, I made a complete fool of myself at our company…