Gene Hackman, one of the Hollywood legends associated with the Oscar-winning movies The French Connection (1971), Unforgiven, and The Conversation, died on Wednesday 26th February 2025, at the age of 95. He lived in Santa Fe, New Mexico with his 64-year-old Pianist wife Betsy Arakawa. The Santa Fe County sheriff said that he was found dead with his wife and their dog at their residence by deputies. Although no foul play has been found yet, the case is still under investigation.
Hackman had a remarkably successful career in Hollywood. He was a former Marine who later became an actor and worked on more than 80 movies, including some notable works on television and stage.
The legendary acting career of Gene Heckman
At the age of 16 Gene Hackman joined the Marines as a radio operator. After his service, he pursued journalism and later started his career as an actor. Despite some early setbacks, his perseverance made him successful on Broadway and then eventually in Hollywood. He is considered to be among one of those actors who have defined the term “New Hollywood” in the 1970s.
Hackman’s debut role was in Bonnie and Clyde where he played the role of Buck Burrow. This character earned him an Academy Nomination. He won his first Oscar for Best Actor in the movie The French Connection (1971) where he played the role of Detective Jimmy ‘Popeye’ Doyle. This versatile actor made his mark on other The Conversation (1974), Superman (1978), and The Royal Tenenbaums (2001).
Hackman used to be drawn towards the morally grey characters in the movies he chose. This helped him earn his second Oscar in a supporting role in Clint Eastwood’s Unforgiven (1992) where he played the role of a brutal sheriff Little Bill Daggett. Throughout his career, he won two Academy Awards, four Golden Globes, two BAFTAs, and one Screen Actor Guild Award.
The cause of Gene Heckman and his wife’s death
After the bodies of their bodies were found on Thursday at 1.45 PM, the county sheriff of Santa Fe confirmed that no foul play was suspected. However, the exact cause of the death has not been found. Some sources are suspecting carbon monoxide poisoning as the possible cause of death.
People’s guess is carbon monoxide poisoning. But it’s not confirmed.
— Elizabeth 📜 (@AwkwardPancake) February 27, 2025
Hackman retired from acting in 2004, leaving behind a legacy of critically acclaimed performances throughout his long career. He lived a peaceful life on the outskirts of Santa Fe with his second wife Betsy Arakawa. He has three offspring Christopher, Elizabeth Jean, and Leslie Anne.
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