Gene Hackman and his wife, Betsy Arakawa. ARCHIVE

Hollywood is mourning the loss of Oscar-winning actor Gene Hackman, who was found dead alongside his wife, Betsy Arakawa, and their dog at their Santa Fe, New Mexico home on Thursday (February 27). The 95-year-old acting legend leaves behind a legacy spanning over six decades in film. The Santa Fe County Sheriff’s Office confirmed the discovery, stating, “At this time we do not believe that foul play was a factor.” Authorities continue to investigate the cause of death. Hackman, known for his powerful performances and commanding screen presence, won two Academy Awards during his illustrious career. His portrayal of Jimmy "Popeye" Doyle in The French Connection (1971) earned him his first Oscar for Best Actor. He secured a second Oscar for Best Supporting Actor in Clint Eastwood’s Unforgiven (1992). Director Francis Ford Coppola, who worked with Hackman on The Conversation, paid tribute, calling him “a great artist, inspiring and magnificent in his work and complexity.” Valerie Perrine, Hackman's Superman co-star, posted on X: “His performances are legendary. His talent will be missed.” Hackman retired from acting in 2004, leaving behind over 100 film credits. In recent years, he focused on writing novels, a passion he pursued in the quiet comfort of Santa Fe. Despite stepping away from the limelight, Hackman's influence on the film industry remained profound. Star Trek actor George Takei wrote, “Gene Hackman could play anyone, and you could feel a whole life behind it... He will be missed, but his work will live on forever.” The actor’s final public statement came in 2008, when he confirmed he was officially retired. “I really don’t want to do it any longer,” he said, expressing a desire to focus on writing. ICA/CAM/Expat Media
For all the latest news from the UAE and the world, follow us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram and subscribe to our YouTube page