Gene Hackman, the multi-Oscar-winning actor, and his wife Betsy Arakawa have been found dead in their New Mexico home along with their dog. An investigation is ongoing to determine the cause of the 95-year-old's death.
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At present, police are still investigating the cause of death for Gene Hackman and his wife. However, at present, no foul play is suspected. Denise Womack-Avila, the Santa Fe county sheriff's spokesperson, told outlets of the discovery of the dead actor and his wife.
On Wednesday afternoon, officers responded to a welfare check on the pair. They were able to make their way into the property, where they found Gene Hackman, his wife, and his dog, dead. Because there is currently no foul play suspected, many are speculating that it may be carbon monoxide poisoning.
Gene Hackman's Illustrious 50-year Career
He began his acting career in the Pasadena Playhouse in California in the 60s. Here, along with Dustin Hoffman, he made a name for himself. The two of them were dubbed "least likely to succeed." But, in an act of stubbornness, he went on to perform in many varied and successful roles.
His career had him playing everything from Superman's Lex Luthor to narcotics agent Jimmy "Popeye" Doyle in The French Connection. The latter was what put Gene Hackman on the map. He took home the Academy Award for Best Actor in that role and stole the show.
From there, he became a roaring success with audiences, playing gripping characters in many prestigious movies. Gene Hackman became a household name and was the main draw of many film releases.
Despite having remarkable menace in many of his acts, he was versatile in his capabilities. Gene Hackman was as comfortable playing the nasty sheriff in Unforgiven as he was as Royal Tenenbaum in the lighthearted film The Royal Tenenbaums. He was, undoubtedly, an idol for many hoping to get into acting, and he left a lasting mark on the industry.
However, he retired from his illustrious career as an actor in 2004. His final performance was in Welcome to Mooseport because, as he said, he didn't want to go out on a sour note. So, Gene Hackman retired to his home in New Mexico with his professional pianist wife, Betsy Arakawa. Here is where he spent his final days.
