THE grieving family of Gene Hackman has broken their silence since the Hollywood star’s tragic death.
Gene, his wife Betsy Arakawa, were mysteriously found dead in separate rooms of their Santa Fe mansion in New Mexico.
In a heartbreaking statement, Gene Hackman’s family has confirmed the tragic passing of the double Oscar winner and his wife of 34 years of marriage.
“It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of our father, Gene Hackman and his wife, Betsy,” said Hackman’s daughters, Elizabeth, Leslie, and Annie Hackman.
“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.”
The mystery surrounding the deaths of the couple deepens as authorities continue to investigate.
It comes as…
Hackman, 94, and Betsy were found dead in separate rooms of their $3.8 million Santa Fe mansion.
It’s believed that they may have passed away weeks ago, with one body showing signs of what authorities are calling “mummification.”
However, experts suggest this likely refers to advanced decomposition, not true mummification, which typically takes much longer.
The couple was discovered on Wednesday afternoon by a close friend, who found them in their home and immediately called the police.
According to Santa Fe County Sheriff Adan Mendoza, the scene also revealed that one of their dogs had died, while the others survived.
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REMARKABLE CAREER
Gene Hackman’s career took off with his role as Buck Barrow in Bonnie and Clyde in 1967.
He went on to star in the Superman films and appeared in hits like Mississippi Burning, Unforgiven, Crimson Tide, and The Poseidon Adventure.
In 1972, he earned the Best Actor Oscar for his portrayal of Jimmy “Popeye” Doyle in The French Connection.
Hackman received a second Academy Award in 1993, winning Best Supporting Actor for his role as Little Bill Daggett in the western Unforgiven, alongside Clint Eastwood, Morgan Freeman, and Anna Thomson.
The film won four Oscars, including Best Picture.
Over his illustrious career, Hackman appeared in over 100 films.
He was nominated for five Academy Awards, won two Oscars, earned two BAFTA nominations, and received three Golden Globe awards.
MOVING TRIBUTES
Messages have poured in from fellow stars and even royalty, paying tribute to the legendary actor and his remarkable legacy.
Prince William expressed his sorrow, saying he was “so sad” to hear the heartbreaking news about Gene and his wife.
He added: “Hackman was a true genius of film who brought each and every character to life with power, authenticity and star quality.”
American actor George Takei honored Hackman’s enduring impact, stating: “Gene’s work will live on forever. We have lost one of the true giants of the screen.
“Gene Hackman could play anyone, and you could feel a whole life behind it. He could be everyone and no one, a towering presence or an everyday Joe. That’s how powerful an actor he was.”
Filmmaker Francis Ford Coppola, who worked with Hackman on The Conversation in 1974, remembered him as a “great actor.”
Coppola said: “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. I mourn his loss, and celebrate his existence and contribution.”
