Gene Hackman, the revered two-time Academy Award-winning actor whose career spanned over five decades, passed away at the age of 95. He was found deceased alongside his wife, Betsy Arakawa, 63, and their dog at their home in Santa Fe, New Mexico, on February 26, 2025. Authorities reported no signs of foul play.
A Storied Career in Film
Born Eugene Allen Hackman on January 30, 1930, in San Bernardino, California, Hackman began his acting journey in the 1960s. He gained prominence with his role as Buck Barrow in Bonnie and Clyde (1967), earning his first Academy Award nomination. His portrayal of Detective Jimmy “Popeye” Doyle in The French Connection (1971) won him the Oscar for Best Actor. He secured a second Oscar for Best Supporting Actor in Clint Eastwood’s Unforgiven (1992).
Hackman’s versatility shone through in films like The Conversation (1974), Hoosiers (1986), Mississippi Burning (1988), and The Royal Tenenbaums (2001). He retired from acting after his final film, Welcome to Mooseport, in 2004.
Life Beyond the Silver Screen
After retiring, Hackman pursued writing, co-authoring several historical fiction novels. He also engaged in painting and narrated documentaries, including those related to the U.S. Marine Corps, in which he served for four years.
Personal Life and Legacy
Hackman was married to classical pianist Betsy Arakawa since 1991. The couple led a private life in Santa Fe. He is survived by three children from his first marriage.
Tributes poured in from the film industry. Clint Eastwood remembered him as “intense and instinctive,” while Francis Ford Coppola called him “inspiring and magnificent.” Morgan Freeman honored Hackman during the 2025 Oscars’ In Memoriam segment, highlighting his generous spirit and elevating presence on screen.
Remembering a Hollywood Legend
Gene Hackman’s profound impact on cinema is undeniable. His dedication to authentic storytelling and his ability to embody diverse characters have left an indelible mark on the industry. As audiences revisit his extensive body of work, Hackman’s legacy as a consummate actor and storyteller endures.
