A Legendary Career and Private Life
Gene Hackman, a two-time Academy Award winner, was one of Hollywood’s most celebrated actors. With a career spanning over four decades and more than 70 films, he left an indelible mark on the industry. Hackman earned Best Actor for his iconic role as Popeye Doyle in The French Connection (1971) and Best Supporting Actor for his performance as Little Bill Daggett in Unforgiven (1992).
After his retirement from acting in 2004 due to health concerns, Hackman shifted his focus to quieter pursuits, including painting, fishing, and writing. In a 2009 interview, he revealed that a stress test prompted doctors to advise him to step away from the film industry. “The doctor told me my heart wasn’t in the kind of shape that I should be putting it under any stress,” he shared.
Hackman and Betsy Arakawa, a classically trained pianist, had been married since 1991 and led a relatively private life in Santa Fe. Friends and neighbors described them as a devoted couple, with Arakawa being particularly protective of Hackman in his later years.
An Ongoing Investigation
While authorities have yet to determine the exact cause of death, an autopsy and toxicology report are pending. The Santa Fe community and Hollywood are mourning the loss of the beloved actor and his wife, as tributes pour in from colleagues, fans, and friends.
Hackman is survived by his three children—Christopher, Elizabeth Jean, and Leslie Anne—from his previous marriage to Faye Maltese.
As investigations continue, Hackman’s legacy as one of the greatest actors of his generation remains undisputed. His work will continue to inspire generations, ensuring that his impact on cinema endures for years to come.