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POLICE have released an update on Gene Hackman’s shocking death after the Hollywood star was found with his wife and dog and their home.
Cops revealed they have launched an “active investigation” into the two-time Oscar winner’s case.
Gene, 95, was discovered alongside his wife Betsy Arakawa, 63, on Wednesday afternoon at their $3.8million New Mexico home.
Cops said have not revealed the couple’s cause of death but said they suspect no foul play at the time.
“We can confirm that both Gene Hackman and his wife were found deceased Wednesday afternoon at their residence on Sunset Trail,” the Santa Fe County Sheriff’s Office said.
“This is an active investigation – however, at this time we do not believe that foul play was a factor.”
It comes as…
The Santa Fe County Sheriff’s Office also shared extra details about the tragic discovery in another comment.
“On February 26 2025 at approximately 1.45pm, Santa Fe County Sheriff’s deputies were dispatched to an address on Old Sunset Trail in Hyde Park where Gene Hackman, 95, and his wife Betsy Arakawa, 64, and a dog were found deceased,” the statement said.
Hackman was married twice, tying the knot with Faye Maltese in 1956.
The couple had three children – one son and two daughters – but divorced in 1986.
He and classical pianist Betsy had been married since 1991.
The reclusive couple was last spotted in public on March 28, 2024, while on a dinner date.
The pair were seen in Santa Fe, New Mexico, heading into Pappadeaux’s restaurant, during a rare public appearance.
The Hollywood legend had celebrated his 94th birthday just weeks before these pictures were taken.
Gene Hackman’s $3.8m hideaway where Hollywood star was found dead with wife
After his final role, he left the bright lights of Hollywood and moved to New Mexico in the 1980s.
He was rarely spotted and liked to enjoy Wendy’s drive-thru meals.
In his later years, he suffered from minor health problems.
In 2012, Hackman was struck by a car when riding his bike.
He was rushed to a Miami hospital with serious injuries.
“Gene’s fine,” his agent Susan Madore said at the time as she downplayed any fears.
“Just a few bumps and bruises.”
The incident happened eight years after his final movie role and just weeks before he turned 82.
HACKMAN’S CAREER
Hollywood star Hackman, 95, received two Oscars and two Baftas in his acting career which spanned decades.
He secured the best actor Oscar in 1972 for his role as Detective Jimmy “Popeye” Doyle in The French Connection.
Hackman’s last appearance
Gene Hackman’s last public appearance came when he was seen leaving a New Mexico restaurant.
Hackman was spotted holding onto Betsy’s arm while he used a cane on March 28, 2024, during a rare public appearance.
The couple were on a dinner date in Santa Fe, New Mexico, heading into Pappadeaux’s restaurant.
The Hollywood legend had celebrated his 94th birthday just weeks before these pictures were taken.
Earlier in the day, the couple were also seen visiting a local Speedway store, where Gene bought a cup of coffee and an apple pie.
Hackman landed a further Academy Award in the best supporting actor category for his part in 1992 Western Unforgiven, directed by Clint Eastwood.
Born in California in 1930, Hackman left home at age 16 to enlist in the marine corps and served from 1947 to 1952 as a field radio operator and then as a broadcast journalist.
He went on to study journalism and television production at the University of Illinois, but later pivoted to pursue an acting career.
Hackman had a few TV and theatre roles before breaking through with his performance in 1967’s Bonnie And Clyde, which starred Warren Beatty and Faye Dunaway in the titular roles, which landed him an Oscar nomination for best supporting actor.
He also picked up Oscar nods for his role in 1970’s I Never Sang For My Father and 1988’s thriller Mississippi Burning.
The actor secured a new cohort of fans for his portrayal of supervillain Lex Luthor in the 1978 Superman film starring Christopher Reeve in the eponymous role and Marlon Brando as Jor-El, Superman’s biological father.
He reprised the role for its subsequent sequels, 1980’s Superman II and 1987’s Superman IV: The Quest For Peace.
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