Legendary actor Gene Hackman, 95, and his wife Betsy Arakawa, 64, were discovered dead at their residence in Santa Fe, New Mexico, on Wednesday, February 26, 2025. The Santa Fe County Sheriff’s Office responded to a call at approximately 1:45 p.m., arriving at the couple’s home on Old Sunset Trail in Hyde Park, where they found both Hackman and Arakawa, along with their dog, dead at the scene.

In an official statement, the Santa Fe County Sheriff’s Office said, “Foul play is not suspected as a factor in those deaths at this time; however, the exact cause of death has not been determined. This is an active and ongoing investigation by the Santa Fe County Sheriff’s Office.”

Gene Hackman was widely regarded as one of Hollywood’s most talented and versatile actors, leaving behind a legacy that spanned over four decades. He won two Academy Awards, two British Academy Film Awards, and four Golden Globes throughout his career. Best known for portraying Lex Luthor in Superman (1978) and Superman II (1980), he also starred in numerous critically acclaimed films such as The Poseidon Adventure (1972), Scarecrow (1973), The Conversation (1974), A Bridge Too Far (1977), Under Fire (1983), and The Firm (1993). Hackman’s dynamic performances in The Quick and the Dead (1995), The Birdcage (1996), Enemy of the State (1998), and Runaway Jury (2003) further solidified his place as a Hollywood icon.

Hackman retired from acting after his final film, Welcome to Mooseport (2004), choosing to step away from the limelight to enjoy a quieter life with his wife, Betsy Arakawa. The couple had been married since 1991 and lived in New Mexico for many years.

As investigations continue, more details regarding the circumstances of their deaths are expected to emerge in the coming days.