Gene Hackman and wife found dead in New Mexico home
(WJET/WFXP) — Legendary actor and former Marine, Gene Hackman and his wife, Betsy Arakawa, were found dead in the Santa Fe, New Mexico home Wednesday afternoon.
Santa Fe County Sheriff Adan Mendoza confirmed just after midnight Thursday the couple had died, along with their dog.
The couple was found during a welfare check after their neighbor called in concerned about their well-being. Santa Fe County. While there has been no immediate indication of foul play, a cause of death has yet to be identified.
95-year-old Gene Hackman has made himself a fixture on the big screen, with two Oscars, two British Academy Film Awards, and four Golden Globes to his name.
Hackman earning Best Actor for his role as Jimmy 'Popeye' Doyle in The French Connection and Best Supporting Actor as a villainous sheriff in Unforgiven. His onscreen credits don't end there, seen in several major films like Superman and Superman II, The Conversation, and Enemy of the State.
Hackman was born in San Bernardino, California, on January 30, 1930, and the family moved frequently before settling in Danville, Illinois. Hackman joined the Marines at 16, lying about his age to get in, serving four-and-a-half years.
Over 10 years later, he had his breakout performance in 'Bonnie and Clyde,' which earned him an Academy Award for Best Supporting Actor. Since then, he's now credited in over 90 films, holding several prestigious awards.
Hackman is survived by his children, Christopher, Elizabeth, and Leslie.
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