It is with a very heavy heart that we report the passing of one of the greatest actors in the history of Hollywood. Gene Hackman has passed away at his home in New Mexico. The loss is even more emotionally devastating in that Hackman’s wife, Betsy Arakawa, and their dog were also found deceased as well. Local law enforcement has issued a search warrant, due to the deaths being “suspicious enough in nature to require a thorough search and investigation.”
A neighbor, concerned about the couple’s wellbeing, called authorities which prompted a wellfare check, leading to the discovery of Hackman, Arakawa, and the dog. There was concern about a possible carbon monoxide leak, but the fire department conducted testing and “did not locate signs of a carbon monoxide leak or poisoning.”
Two workers reported finding the door to the home open, but responding deputies “did not observe any signs of forced entry into the home.” Arakawa’s body was found on the floor of a bathroom. Updated reports state the warrant reveals a space heater and a bottle of prescription pills was found on the counter. Hackman was found in a mudroom, where responders believe he suffered a fall. The dog was found in a closet. Two other dogs- both alive- were found on the property, one in the bathroom with Arakawa, and the other was outside the home.
Hackman had long since retired from acting. His final film was 2004’s “Welcome to Mooseport” after which he reportedly led a quiet life with his wife of over 30 years, Betsy Arakawa.
His career was nothing short of prolific in terms of critical and commercial success, alongside popular culture relevance. The actor was nominated for five Academy Award winning twice. Once for Best Actor in “The French Connection” and another for Best Supporting Actor in “Unforgiven.” But to limit the discussion to his award-winning films wouldn’t do justice to the other parts that cemented him as a figure to be remembered over the decades.
Given the upcoming return of Superman to the big screen, it’s impossible to forget that Hackman was the definitive Lex Luthor for years. His portrayal of the iconic villain in 1978’s “Superman” and the follow-up, “Superman II” set a standard to which other actors have tried to match ever since. There’s no way to deny the gravitas that Hackman brought to the role and how he was a sharp contrast to the charming sincerity that Christopher Reeve brought to Superman himself.
Gene Hackman’s comedic work could be seen in memorable films like “The Birdcage,” “Heartbreakers,” and “The Royal Tenenbaums,” while his dramatic turns continued to be seen in blockbusters like “Crimson Tide,” and “The Firm.” All of those would be more than enough for any actor to consider themselves lucky to be in but Hackman also had, “Hoosiers,” “Get Shorty,” “Mississippi Burning,” “Bonnie and Clyde,” and “The Poseiden Adventure” on his filmography amongst so many others.
If there’s any consolation to the loss of someone so talented and prolific, it’s that they’ve left behind such an extensive body of work that it has entertained and inspired millions. More so, it will continue to do so for decades to come. Gene Hackman will forever be a legend and our sincerest condolences go out to his family who are doubly affected by his passing and his wife’s.
Hackman was 95, his wife was 64.
