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The legendary actor Gene Hackman, a two-time Oscar winner, and his wife, pianist Betsy Arakawa, were found dead in their residence in Santa Fe, New Mexico, on Wednesday afternoon, local authorities reported. The couple was discovered deceased alongside their dog in their home located in the Santa Fe Summit community.
Santa Fe County Sheriff, Adan Mendoza, confirmed the news and stated that, for now, there are no indications that the deaths were the result of a crime. "We can confirm that both Gene Hackman and his wife were found dead Wednesday afternoon at their residence on Sunset Trail. This is an ongoing investigation, but at this point, we do not believe there was any wrongdoing," the official explained. Authorities have not yet determined the exact cause of death and are awaiting the results of the autopsy.
Hackman, 95, and Arakawa, 63, had been married since 1991 and shared more than three decades of life together. In recent years, the actor lived away from public life, dedicating himself to writing and painting in Santa Fe, where he maintained a quiet routine with his wife.
A legendary career in Hollywood
Gene Hackman was one of the most recognized actors of his generation, with a career spanning over six decades and more than 100 roles. He won the Oscar for Best Actor for his role as Jimmy "Popeye" Doyle in the thriller The French Connection (1971) and the Oscar for Best Supporting Actor for Unforgiven (1992), directed by Clint Eastwood. Additionally, he received three other Academy Award nominations for Bonnie and Clyde (1967), I Never Sang for My Father (1970), and Mississippi Burning (1988).
Hackman was known for his versatility, portraying both heroes and villains in iconic films such as Superman (1978), where he brought the supervillain Lex Luthor to life, The Conversation by Francis Ford Coppola, The Royal Tenenbaums by Wes Anderson, and Runaway Jury.
Reactions from the world of cinema and entertainment
The news of Hackman and his wife's death has had a significant impact on the film industry and among his fans. Various personalities have expressed their sorrow and paid tribute to the actor's career:
- Francis Ford Coppola: "The loss of a great artist is always a reason for mourning and celebration: Gene Hackman, a remarkable actor, inspiring and magnificent in his work and complexity. I mourn his loss and celebrate his existence and contribution."
- George Takei: "We have lost one of the true giants of the screen. Gene Hackman could portray anyone and make us feel their life behind every role. His legacy will live on forever."
- BAFTA: "We are saddened to learn that the renowned actor Gene Hackman has passed away at the age of 95. His illustrious career spanned more than six decades and earned him BAFTA awards for Unforgiven, The French Connection, and The Poseidon Adventure."
- Antonio Banderas: "A very sad day for the family of cinema. Gene Hackman and his wife Betsy Arakawa have passed away. My deepest condolences to friends, family, and lovers of film. RIP."
- Santiago Segura: "Gene Hackman has countless great roles, but the first time I saw him on the big screen was in The Poseidon Adventure; his powerful performance left me fascinated. R.I.P."
This tragic event occurs shortly after the death of actress Michelle Trachtenberg, known for her roles in Buffy the Vampire Slayer and Gossip Girl. The actress passed away at the age of 39 in her New York apartment, according to U.S. media reports. While the exact causes of her death remain unknown, it is believed to be related to complications from a recent liver transplant.
Authorities continue to investigate the circumstances surrounding the deaths of Hackman and Arakawa, while the entertainment world bids farewell to one of the most significant figures in the history of cinema.
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