Actor Gene Hackman and Wife Found Dead at Home

Published FEB 27 2025

Story

Above: Actor Gene Hackman and wife Betsy Arakawa pose in 1986 in Los Angeles, California. Image credit: Donaldson Collection/Contributor/Michael Ochs Archives via Getty Images

The Facts

Oscar-winning actor Gene Hackman and his wife Betsy Arakawa were on Wednesday found dead at their home in Santa Fe, New Mexico, local officials confirmed.
Santa Fe New Mexican
BBC News
Santa Fe County Sheriff Adan Mendoza confirmed to local press a little later than midnight that the couple was discovered dead alongside their dog.
Santa Fe New Mexican
FOX News
Meanwhile, a spokesperson for the Santa Fe Sheriff's Office confirmed to the Associated Press that deputies responded to a request to carry out a welfare check at the couple's home around 1:45 pm on Wednesday when they and the dog were discovered dead.
The Associated Press
Newsweek
Hackman, 95, was a five-time Oscar nominee and won the award on two occasions — winning best actor for his role in the 1971 film "The French Connection" and best supporting actor for the 1992 film "Unforgiven." He starred in dozens of roles before making his last film in 2004, after which he took up documentary making and writing.
The Associated Press
BBC News
Guardian
Less is known about Arakawa, 63, who did not give interviews and kept a low profile. Born in Hawaii, she was reportedly a classically trained pianist and is said to have owned a number of businesses in New Mexico.
People
TheCityCeleb
Earlier on Wednesday, the sheriff said there was an "active investigation" into the deaths but said that there was no immediate indication of foul play. He did not elaborate on a possible cause of death or when the couple might have died.
Guardian
New York Post

Sources Split

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The Spin

Narrative A

Little is currently known about the unusual deaths of Hackman and his wife. Police have confirmed that an active investigation is ongoing, but that there was no indication of foul play at this stage. Details about the time and cause of death are still to come.

Guardian

Narrative B

Despite having been described as having the face of a truck driver and once, alongside Dustin Hoffman, being voted "least likely to succeed," Hackman went on to become one of the leading lights of his industry, dazzling audiences with his depictions of villains or comedic roles equally. The focus should be on Hackman's incredible legacy.

BBC News