Hollywood has lost one of its most iconic and celebrated actors. Gene Hackman, the two-time Oscar-winning star known for his roles in The French Connection, Unforgiven, and The Royal Tenenbaums, was found dead at his home in Santa Fe, New Mexico, alongside his wife, Betsy Arakawa, and their dog. Authorities confirmed the discovery on Wednesday afternoon, February 26, 2025.
Early reports suggest that the couple may have died from carbon monoxide poisoning, though authorities have yet to confirm the official cause of death. Investigators are working to determine exactly what happened, and it remains unclear how the couple was exposed to the deadly gas. The Santa Fe County Sheriff’s Office has stated that foul play is not suspected, but the case is still an active investigation.
A Storied Career That Defined Hollywood
Born Eugene Hackman in 1930, the California native had a career that spanned over four decades, earning him two Academy Awards, three Golden Globes, and the prestigious Cecil B. DeMille Award in 2003.
Hackman’s journey to Hollywood greatness was not a straight path. After his father left the family when he was just 13, Hackman enlisted in the Marines at age 16, serving in China, Japan, and Hawaii before pursuing a degree in journalism and television production. But acting became his calling, and at 27, he enrolled in the Pasadena Playhouse, where he met a young Dustin Hoffman.
The two, along with Robert Duvall, formed a tight-knit group of struggling actors in New York, all hoping to break into Hollywood. And for Hackman, that break came in 1964 when he landed a role in the Broadway play Any Wednesday. That role led to his big-screen breakthrough in Bonnie and Clyde (1967), where he played Buck Barrow, earning his first Academy Award nomination for Best Supporting Actor.
The Role That Changed Everything
While Bonnie and Clyde put him on Hollywood’s radar, it was his performance in 1971’s The French Connection that turned him into a household name. His portrayal of Detective “Popeye” Doyle, a relentless and gritty cop, won him the Academy Award for Best Actor and solidified his status as a leading man in Hollywood. The film’s legendary car chase scene, one of the most thrilling in cinematic history, remains a landmark moment in action filmmaking.
Hackman continued his dominance with roles in classics like The Poseidon Adventure (1972), Superman (1978) as Lex Luthor, and Hoosiers (1986), where he played a tough high school basketball coach. His second Oscar win came in 1992 for Best Supporting Actor in Clint Eastwood’s Western masterpiece Unforgiven.
Other standout performances include his roles in The Firm (1993), Crimson Tide (1995), Enemy of the State (1998), and The Royal Tenenbaums (2001), where he played the eccentric and deeply flawed patriarch of a dysfunctional family.
A Quiet Retirement in New Mexico
Despite his larger-than-life presence on screen, Hackman surprised fans when he retired from acting in 2004, following his role in Welcome to Mooseport. He later revealed that a stress test in New York led doctors to warn him about his heart condition, pushing him to step away from Hollywood and embrace a more peaceful lifestyle.
For the last two decades, Hackman enjoyed a private life in Santa Fe, where he focused on painting, fishing, and writing novels. He co-wrote several adventure and historical fiction books, including Justice for None and Escape from Andersonville. He found writing to be a stressful but fulfilling process, admitting that it was much easier than performing in front of a film crew of 90 people.
A Mysterious Tragedy Under Investigation
The circumstances surrounding Hackman and Arakawa’s deaths remain unclear. Preliminary reports suggest that carbon monoxide poisoning may have been a factor, though an official determination is still pending.
Carbon monoxide poisoning is often caused by malfunctioning heating systems, gas leaks, or poor ventilation, and authorities are likely investigating whether there was a leak or an issue with the home’s heating system. Given the tragic nature of the situation, many are wondering how long the couple may have been exposed before being found.
Autopsies and toxicology reports will provide more details, but for now, the investigation into what led to the deaths of Hackman, his wife, and their dog continues.
A Legacy That Will Never Be Forgotten
Hackman’s passing marks the end of an era. His films have influenced generations of actors, and his commitment to authenticity and character-driven storytelling made him one of Hollywood’s greatest talents.
He is survived by his three children, Christopher, Elizabeth Jean, and Leslie Anne, whom he shared with his late first wife, Faye Maltese.
His contributions to cinema will live on forever, with his performances continuing to captivate audiences across generations. Hollywood has lost a legend, but Gene Hackman’s legacy is eternal.