Oscar-winning actor Gene Hackman, best known for his iconic roles in The French Connection, Superman, The Poseidon Adventure, and The Conversation, has passed away at the age of 95. Hackman, who retired from acting in 2004, was found dead alongside his wife, classical musician Betsy Arakawa, in their home in Santa Fe, New Mexico, on Wednesday afternoon.
According to Sheriff Adan Mendoza, authorities responded to a report from the couple’s home in the Santa Fe Summit community, where they discovered the bodies of the couple. The sheriff’s department confirmed that there was no immediate indication of foul play, though the investigation is ongoing. Arakawa, a classical pianist, was 63 years old, and the couple had been married since 1991. Hackman had been living in Santa Fe since the 1980s, where he and Arakawa shared a private life away from the spotlight.
Hackman’s death has left the world mourning the loss of a screen legend. The actor’s career spanned over 40 years, during which he became one of Hollywood’s most respected and versatile performers. Known for his commanding presence, Hackman was a master of both intense dramas and lighthearted comedies, from The French Connection (1971), which earned him his first Academy Award for Best Actor, to his unforgettable portrayal of Lex Luthor in Superman (1978).
Hackman enjoyed further success in films like The Poseidon Adventure, A Bridge Too Far, Mississippi Burning, Unforgiven (for which he won his second Oscar), and The Royal Tenenbaums. Despite being known for his serious roles, Hackman had an undeniable knack for comedy and was often praised for his ability to seamlessly switch between the two genres.
Notably, Hackman’s career started later than many stars, having only broken into major roles in his 30s. Yet his impact on film was immediate and lasting. He won critical acclaim for his role as Jimmy “Popeye” Doyle in The French Connection, and his career only gained momentum from there.
While Hackman made his name in Hollywood, he also became an accomplished author of historical fiction, publishing several books, with Wake of the Perdido Star being his first. After retiring from acting, he focused on writing, and his last film appearance was in 2004’s Welcome to Mooseport.
The film community has reacted with an outpouring of love for the actor. Director Francis Ford Coppola, who worked with Hackman on The Conversation (1974), shared a heartfelt tribute on social media, writing: “The loss of a great artist, always cause for both mourning and celebration: Gene Hackman, a great actor, inspiring and magnificent in his work and complexity.” Fellow actor George Takei called him “one of the true giants of the screen.”
Hackman’s legacy will undoubtedly live on through his extensive body of work, which spanned genres, roles, and decades. Though he retired from acting more than 15 years ago, Hackman’s influence and presence in cinema continue to resonate with audiences around the world.
