Disclaimer: This article contains graphic depictions of death. Reader discretion is advised.

The entertainment world mourns after the unexpected passing of an influential industry figure.

Hollywood actor Gene Hackman and his wife, musician Betsy Arakawa, were found dead in their New Mexico home.

The couple's untimely passing sent shockwaves throughout their respective industries and left fans and colleagues grappling with the loss of a legendary figure.

Gene Hackman, whose career spanned over six decades, was 95 years old at the time of his passing.

Hackman had an illustrious career in Hollywood.

Throughout his career, he received two Academy Awards for his roles in The French Connection and Unforgiven.

However, he was most popular for his role as Buck Barrow in the 1967 film Bonnie and Clyde.

Gene Hackman and Betsy Arakawa were together for 34 years. Image Credit: YouTube/Sky News Australia

Hackman's portrayal of complex characters across various genres made him one of the most respected actors of his generation.

Beyond his cinematic achievements, Hackman served as a marine and was a father to three children from his first marriage.

In 1991, he married his wife, Betsy Arakawa.

Arakawa, who was 64 years old, was a classical pianist.

Together, they shared a life away from the Hollywood spotlight in Santa Fe, New Mexico.

Gene Hackman's daughters and granddaughter released a statement following their passing.

'It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of our father, Gene Hackman and his wife, Betsy,' they prefaced.

'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.'

Santa Fe County Sheriff Adan Mendoza confirmed the couple's death.

According to police reports, the couple was found dead and bloated alongside one of their dogs.

The news left Hackman's local community and fans in a state of disbelief, as there were no signs of foul play.

The absence of a clear cause of death prompted an active investigation among authorities.

'All I can say is that we're in the middle of a preliminary death investigation, waiting on approval of a search warrant,' Sheriff Mendoza stated.

'I want to assure the community and neighbourhood that there's no immediate danger to anyone.'

Gene Hackman's passing has been evident, especially for those who knew him personally.

Critically acclaimed director and colleague Francis Ford Coppola expressed his grief on social media.

'The loss of a great artist is always a cause for both mourning and celebration: Gene Hackman was a great actor, inspiring and magnificent in his work and complexity,' Coppola wrote in a post.

'I mourn his loss and celebrate his existence and contribution.'

Let's take a look back at Gene Hackman's life post-show business here:

Source: CBS Sunday Morning/YouTube​

As we await further details on the investigation into Hackman and Arakawa's untimely deaths, we look back on Hackman's profound impact on the film industry.

Let us celebrate his life and contributions to the arts, even as we mourn the loss of such an iconic figure and his beloved wife.

Key Takeaways

• Hollywood actor Gene Hackman was found dead in his Santa Fe home along with his wife, Betsy Arakawa.
• Hackman was an Academy Award winner with a long-spanning career before quietly retiring.
• Santa Fe Police launched an active investigation into their untimely deaths.
• Tributes from Hackman's family and colleagues poured in as they remembered an influential figure in the entertainment industry.

Gene Hackman's legacy is one of dedication to his craft, a testament to the power of storytelling, and the indelible mark he left on audiences around the world.

May they both rest in peace.

 

[MariaG]

I think one only needs to see the facts.
He was 95 and she 64. Their time together was kept out of the limelight, so quite probably they were each other's world.
At 95, my guess would be old age ... and as is the case more often than we know, her passing may well have been the inability to go on without him.
It is sad to read this. I always thought I would not be able to go on without my Johnny, but he had a long talk with me not long before and was adamant that I must go on, even if it is just day by day.
Some just cannot do that.
They RIP together.

 

[Wombat2u2004]

RIP Gene and Arakawa.

 

[Wombat2u2004]

I think one only needs to see the facts.
He was 95 and she 64. Their time together was kept out of the limelight, so quite probably they were each other's world.
At 95, my guess would be old age ... and as is the case more often than we know, her passing may well have been the inability to go on without him.
It is sad to read this. I always thought I would not be able to go on without my Johnny, but he had a long talk with me not long before and was adamant that I must go on, even if it is just day by day.
Some just cannot do that.
They RIP together.

Could very well be Maria.
It was reported that some pills were found scattered in the bathroom near Arakawas body. So it may be that she found Gene passed on and then committed suicide herself.
But why the dog? Couldn't she at least open the door and let the dog out to be with those dogs left alive instead of keeping him in the house?

 

[MariaG]

Could very well be Maria.
It was reported that some pills were found scattered in the bathroom near Arakawas body. So it may be that she found Gene passed on and then committed suicide herself.
But why the dog? Couldn't she at least open the door and let the dog out to be with those dogs left alive instead of keeping him in the house?

Who knows where the mind was. May well have been a special bond between them that lead to the decisions made. Just so sad overall.

 

[Wombat2u2004]

Who knows where the mind was. May well have been a special between them that lead to the decisions made. Just so sad overall.

Yes, it's very sad. He was great actor too. I love watching some of the movies he worked in.

 

[sweetscent62]

Vale Gene and Arakawa

 

[Sue's]

Could very well be Maria.
It was reported that some pills were found scattered in the bathroom near Arakawas body. So it may be that she found Gene passed on and then committed suicide herself.
But why the dog? Couldn't she at least open the door and let the dog out to be with those dogs left alive instead of keeping him in the house?

Maybe she took the overdose when she found him dead and put the tablets in the container nearby and the dog managed to access them which is evident by the tablets being scattered on the floor, the dog then ate them as dogs do & died. Otherwise perhaps she or he may not have believed the dogs would be looked after,after they were gone. There are many scenario's maybe she died first & maybe he was not lucid and took the overdose leaving the dogs to eat the remaining medication in the hope they would die with them. Who knows. Until autopsy's are conducted scenario's will not be known or the story pieced together

 

[magpie1]

So sad to hear this news.....Gene Hackman was one of my favorite actors, I just loved his films and the characters he played. Another one of Hollywood's great actors gone, along with his loving wife and their loving pet. I am sure that he will be remembered at the upcoming Oscars. R.I.P.

 

[Jo Piper3]

May you rest in eternal peace Gene and Betsy and without people delving into the cause of your deaths which will serve no purpose now.

 

[Littleboy8]

R.I.P. Gene and Betsy and doggie so sad

 

[Jumping Jack Flash]

So sad to hear this news.....Gene Hackman was one of my favorite actors, I just loved his films and the characters he played. Another one of Hollywood's great actors gone, along with his loving wife and their loving pet. I am sure that he will be remembered at the upcoming Oscars. R.I.P.

Hear, hear ...... a brilliant actor.......a loss to the movie industry ..... Vale Gene and Betsy (and the pooch) ...

 

[PepeLePew]

I loved his roles in The Birdcage & Blazing Saddles. He will be sorely missed by all those that admired his acting skills. RIP.

 

[freedy50]

From the reports I've read, mainly the American ones, I think, for some reason, she may have taken an overdose upstairs, possibly spilt some which the dog ate.

The pills may have taken effect quickly and she may have fallen making a noise. He started going to see what happened and it appears he fell over and obviously couldn't get up.

 

[freedy50]

I loved his roles in The Birdcage & Blazing Saddles. He will be sorely missed by all those that admired his acting skills. RIP.

Blazing Saddles?

It appears he had a brief uncredited role as a blind man, he was a friend of Gene Wilder and even chose not to take credit for his performance.

 

[Jumping Jack Flash]

From the reports I've read, mainly the American ones, I think, for some reason, she may have taken an overdose upstairs, possibly spilt some which the dog ate.

The pills may have taken effect quickly and she may have fallen making a noise. He started going to see what happened and it appears he fell over and obviously couldn't get up.

Very sad set of circumstances indeed ...... R.I.P.