Gene Hackman death latest: Actor and wife were dead for some time and found in different rooms

Sky News

27-02-2025

In pictures: Police arrive at gated community in Santa Fe
Police have been arriving at the gated community in Santa Fe where Gene Hackman and his wife lived.
The couple were found dead in different rooms, according to police, and officers have been arriving to the house to investigate their deaths.
The New Mexico Gas Company is working with the Santa Fe County Sheriff's department in the investigation, AP reports.
Prince William says Hackman was a 'true genius'
Prince William has hailed Hackman as a "true genius" in a tribute on X.
Posting on the official account for the Prince and Princess of Wales, William wrote: "So sad to hear the news of the death of Gene Hackman and his wife Betsy.
"Hackman was a true genius of film who brought each and every character to life with power, authenticity and star quality. W."
Hackman and wife dead for some time and found in different rooms - police
Gene Hackman, his wife and their dog had been dead for some time and were found in different rooms when officers found them, according to a search warrant from police in Santa Fe.
Hackman was found dead in a mudroom - a room designed for dirty or wet footwear and clothing - and his wife was found dead in a bathroom.
The authorities said foul play isn't suspected, but they haven't disclosed how the couple died.
Gas company helping with investigation
A gas company has said it is assisting in the investigation into the deaths of Gene Hackman and his wife Betsy Arakawa.
Earlier, police in Santa Fe said investigations were ongoing into the deaths of Hackman and his wife, who were found dead at their home along with their dog.
Hackman's daughter Elizabeth Jean Hackman, told the American news outlet TMZ that suspected her father and his wife may have died from carbon monoxide poisoning.
'Gene was an inspiration to so many of us who love movies'
A few more tributes have come through from those in the film industry following the death of Gene Hackman.
Director Paul Feig, whose most notable films include Bridesmaids and A Simple Favor, described the actor as an "inspiration to so many of us who love movies".
"So many brilliant roles. His performance in The Conversation alone changed the way I looked at acting and what actors could bring to a role. Such an amazing career," he said.
The Conversation is a 1974 mystery thriller in which Hackman stars as a surveillance expert who suspects that the couple he is spying on will be murdered.
Meanwhile, director Edgar Wright, whose films include Shaun Of The Dead and Baby Driver, said the following on X...
Hackman's daughter 'suspects carbon monoxide poisoning'
Gene Hackman's daughter, Elizabeth Jean Hackman, has told the American news outlet TMZ that she suspects her father and his wife may have died from carbon monoxide poisoning.
Hackman, his wife Betsy Arakawa and their dog were found dead at their home in Santa Fe, New Mexico, late yesterday.
We know that police are investigating the causes of death and say there is no sign of "foul play" - but we're yet to get an update from officials this afternoon.
The couple's Southwestern-style ranch is in a gated community in the city.
'Gene Hackman is perhaps the best actor ever'
We asked for your favourite Hackman films and personal tributes - and you delivered...
Mississippi Burning, Unforgiven, French Connection. Gene Hackman is perhaps the best actor ever. Actors just don't come like him any longer.
Jan
What an actor, from Mississippi Burning to Crimson Tide and Unforgiven to the French Connection. Just simply one of the best. He leaves a fabulous legacy and breadth of work, so sad to hear his passing.
GH
Gene Hackman as the villainous sheriff in Unforgiven is my favourite of all his roles albeit a short role. To me it is a classic performance. Nobody plays mean as well as Gene.
Movie man
Class act. Playing the blind man in Young Frankenstein always cracks me up, comedy as well as mean, miss you Gene.
The Seer
Valerie Perrine: 'One of the greatest to grace the silver screen'
Valerie Perrine, who starred alongside Gene Hackman in Superman, has paid tribute to the actor.
The Oscar winner, who played Eve Teschmacher in the 1978 film, shared a behind-the-scenes video on Instagram along with her tribute.
"The great Gene Hackman has passed away," she said.
"He was a genius and one of the greatest to grace the silver screen. I had the honour of working with him on Superman."
Perrine described Hackman's performances as "legendary" and said his talent will be missed.
"Goodbye my sweet Lex," she added, referring to Hackman's character Lex Luthor.
"Till we meet again. Valerie."
What did Hackman say was his career regret?
Gene Hackman had a hugely successful career by any standards.
But in 1999 he got candid about his one regret.
In an interview with journalist Charlie Rose, he said: "Yes, I wish that maybe in the 80s - late 70s and early 80s - that I had moved back to New York and kept more in touch with the theatre so that I could have maybe expanded my craft and kept more in touch with what acting means to me."
Born in California in 1930, Hackman initially enlisted in the marine corps and served from 1947 to 1952 as a field radio operator and then as a broadcast journalist before pursuing a career in acting.
Antonio Banderas: A sad day for cinema
Hollywood star Antonio Banderas is the latest actor to pay tribute to Gene Hackman.
The pair both starred in the 1995 film Desperado film together.
Here's what he said...