Oscar-winning actor Gene Hackman and his wife, Betsy Arakawa, were found dead in their home in New Mexico, according to the Santa Fe County Sheriff’s Office. Hackman, known for his iconic roles in films like The French Connection and Unforgiven, was 95 years old.
Authorities have not confirmed the cause of death, but foul play is not suspected, according to spokesperson Denise Womack-Avila. Deputies responded to a welfare check request around 1:45 p.m. on Wednesday and discovered the couple, along with a deceased dog, inside the residence.
CNN has reached out to Hackman’s representatives for further details.
Gene Hackman’s legendary career saw him elevate character roles to leading-man status, often portraying conflicted authority figures or clever villains with an undercurrent of menace. His performances in films such as Hoosiers, The Firm, and Unforgiven solidified his status as one of Hollywood’s greatest actors.
Hackman retired at 74. He had lived in Santa Fe in recent decades with Arakawa, a former classical pianist, and largely stayed out of the public eye.
Hackman had three children, whom he shared with his late ex-wife, Faye Maltese.