Gene Hackman and his wife, Betsy Arakawa, were found dead at their Santa Fe, New Mexico home on February 26, 2025. Their deaths sent shockwaves through Hollywood and among fans worldwide. Hackman, an Academy Award-winning actor, was 95, while Arakawa, a classical pianist, was 64. The couple had been living a reclusive life in their $3.8 million estate in Santa Fe, where they had spent decades away from the Hollywood spotlight. Their bodies were discovered in separate rooms of their home by a neighbor and their caretaker, who immediately contacted emergency services.
The news of their deaths quickly spread, prompting an outpouring of grief from colleagues, fans, and loved ones. The day after the tragic discovery, Hackman’s daughters, Leslie Anne and Elizabeth Hackman, along with his granddaughter, Annie, issued a statement expressing their deep sorrow. They shared, “It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of our father, Gene Hackman, and his wife, Betsy. 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.”
Leslie later spoke publicly about the heartbreaking loss, revealing that the family was still awaiting further details from law enforcement to determine the couple’s exact cause of death. Authorities have since launched an investigation, but early reports suggest no immediate signs of foul play. Speculation has arisen over possible carbon monoxide poisoning, as the couple’s bodies were found along with one of their three dogs, which had also perished. However, an affidavit later stated that no clear evidence of a gas leak was detected in the home.
Leslie shared that her father had been in surprisingly good health for his age, regularly practicing yoga and Pilates, and had not undergone any major surgeries in the months leading up to his passing. Despite this, she admitted that losing him, while painful, was not entirely shocking given his advanced age. She also noted that she had not spoken to her father in several months due to geographical distance, as she resides in California. However, she reassured that their last conversation had been normal, with nothing seeming amiss.
The Santa Fe County Sheriff’s Office later reported that Hackman and Arakawa’s bodies had likely been in the home for at least a day before being discovered. The official affidavit deemed the deaths “suspicious enough in nature to require a thorough search and investigation,” which prompted a more detailed examination of the scene. Investigators found both bodies in a state of decomposition, leading authorities to question the circumstances surrounding their deaths.
Law enforcement discovered Hackman’s body near the kitchen, where he appeared to have fallen suddenly. Arakawa was found in a bathroom next to a space heater, with an open prescription pill bottle and pills scattered across the countertop. A deceased dog was found inside a bathroom closet, while two other dogs were still alive inside the house. Officers noted that the front door of the residence had been left open but found no evidence of forced entry or a struggle.
Leslie shared her intentions to travel to New Mexico once more information was available. “We need to wait and find out whatever information the police have,” she said. “We weren’t expecting to have to go out there and go through the house and all that, so we have some work cut out for us. But yeah, we’ll be going out to New Mexico.”
Hackman, who had been married once before, had three children from his first marriage to Faye Maltese, whom he divorced in 1986 after three decades together. He married Arakawa in 1991, and the two remained together until their deaths. Leslie praised her father’s second marriage, saying, “They had a wonderful marriage. And I give credit to his wife, Betsy, for keeping him alive. She took very, very good care of him and was always looking out for his health. So I am appreciative to her for that, and I’m very saddened by her passing.”
Other family members have spoken out about the loss, including Hackman’s nephew, Tim Hackman, who learned of his uncle’s passing through Leslie. Tim recalled that the last time he physically saw Hackman was 11 years ago and stated that while his uncle had distanced himself from the rest of the family in his later years, he was not estranged. “He liked New Mexico. He loved it. It’s a beautiful place,” he said. Tim also noted that he primarily communicated with Hackman through Arakawa, as his uncle had become less communicative in his old age.
Following the news of his passing, Hollywood luminaries paid tribute to the legendary actor. Clint Eastwood, who directed Hackman in Unforgiven, released a statement saying, “There was no finer actor than Gene. Intense and instinctive. Never a false note. He was also a dear friend whom I will miss very much.” Morgan Freeman honored Hackman on social media, recalling their work together on Under Suspicion and Unforgiven, saying, “One of the personal highlights of my career was working with the incredibly gifted Gene Hackman. Rest in peace, my friend.”
The Santa Fe County Sheriff’s Office later released additional findings from the investigation. Preliminary autopsies showed no external trauma, and toxicology reports were ordered to determine if any environmental or toxic factors contributed to their deaths. Investigators have not ruled out carbon monoxide poisoning, but additional tests are required, which could take weeks to complete. Sheriff Adan Mendoza stated that while foul play is not suspected, the case remains open, and they are exploring all possibilities, including natural causes, accidental poisoning, or an undetected medical emergency.
Hackman’s impact on Hollywood was immeasurable. Born in San Bernardino, California, in 1930, he left school at 16 to join the Marines, later finding his way into acting after struggling to find steady work. He studied at the Pasadena Playhouse alongside Dustin Hoffman, where the two were infamously labeled “least likely to succeed.” However, Hackman’s career defied the odds, leading him to become one of the most respected actors in the industry.
He gained widespread recognition in Bonnie and Clyde (1967) and won his first Academy Award for The French Connection (1971), in which he played the relentless detective Popeye Doyle. He earned further acclaim for The Conversation (1974), Superman (1978), and Mississippi Burning (1988). He won his second Academy Award for his role as the ruthless sheriff in Clint Eastwood’s Unforgiven (1992).
Hackman retired from acting in 2004 after filming Welcome to Mooseport, citing health concerns as his reason for stepping away. He later focused on writing novels and painting, embracing a quieter life with Arakawa in Santa Fe. Despite leaving Hollywood, his influence never faded, and his performances remain legendary.
In the wake of his passing, fans and colleagues continue to reflect on his incredible body of work. Director Francis Ford Coppola described him as “a great actor, inspiring and magnificent in his work and complexity.” Filmmaker Edgar Wright called him “the greatest,” while George Takei noted, “Gene Hackman could play anyone, and you could feel a whole life behind it. That’s how powerful an actor he was.”
As investigations into their deaths continue, the world remembers Gene Hackman not only for his exceptional talent but also for the quiet, dignified life he chose in his later years. His career, spanning decades and filled with unforgettable performances, cements his legacy as one of Hollywood’s greatest actors. The loss of both Hackman and Arakawa marks the end of an era, but their impact and memory will live on in the hearts of those who admired them.