Oscar Winning Actor Gene Hackman and Wife Betsy Arakawa Found Dead in Their Home
On February 26, 2025, at approximately 1:45 p.m., deputies from the Santa Fe County Sheriff’s Office conducted a welfare check at the residence of Gene Hackman and his wife, Betsy Arakawa, located on Old Sunset Trail in Hyde Park, Santa Fe, New Mexico. Upon arrival, they discovered the bodies of 95-year-old Hackman, 64-year-old Arakawa, and their dog. Sheriff Adan Mendoza stated that foul play is not suspected, but the exact cause of death has yet to be determined.
Gene Hackman was a distinguished actor whose career spanned over six decades, featuring more than 80 films. He earned two Academy Awards: Best Actor for his role as Detective Popeye Doyle in “The French Connection” (1971) and Best Supporting Actor for portraying a sheriff in “Unforgiven” (1992). Hackman was also known for his versatility, playing roles ranging from the villainous Lex Luthor in the “Superman” series to a surveillance expert in “The Conversation” (1974). He retired from acting in 2004 and later pursued writing, authoring several novels.
Betsy Arakawa, a classical pianist, married Hackman in 1991. The couple resided in their Santa Fe home since the 1980s. Hackman is survived by his three children from his first marriage to Faye Maltese.
The Santa Fe community mourns the loss of the couple. Sheriff Mendoza has assured residents that there is no immediate danger to the public.
