Academy Award-winning actor Gene Hackman has passed away at the age of 95.
The French Connection star was found dead in his home in Santa Fe, New Mexico, along with his wife, pianist Betsy Arakawa, and dog. Santa Fe County Sheriff Adan Mendoza confirmed the deaths, although no cause of death was provided, nor was an exact time frame of when the couple had passed away. No foul play is said to be expected.
“All I can say is that we’re in the middle of a preliminary death investigation, waiting on approval of a search warrant,” the sheriff said (via the Santa Fe New Mexican). “I want to assure the community and neighborhood that there’s no immediate danger to anyone.”
One of the best actors of his generation, Hackman won two Oscars and four Golden Globes during his career that spanned four decades. He’s best known for starring in films such as Clint Eastwood’s Unforgiven, Wes Anderson’s The Royal Tenanbaums, and Francis Ford Coppola’s The Conversation. He also played Lex Luthor in Superman and Superman II, opposite Christopher Reeve.
Hackman retired from acting after starring in Welcome to Mooseport in 2004. After retiring, his only acting appearances were narrating the documentaries The Unknown Flag Raiser of Iwo Jima and We, the Marines. Hackman won Best Actor for 1972’s The French Connection and then Best Supporting Actor for 1993’s Unforgiven.
The actor married Arakawa in 1991. It was Hackman’s second marriage, as he previously was married to Faye Maltese, who he had one son and two daughters with.
ComingSoon sends condolences to Hackman’s friends and family during this time.
