Iconic Actor Gene Hackman, Wife Betsy Arakawa Found Dead, Carbon Monoxide Poisoning Suspected
By Space Coast Daily // February 27, 2025
authorities said couple and their dog were dead for at least a day before their bodies were found
Gene Hackman, the esteemed actor renowned for his compelling performances in films such as “The French Connection” and “Unforgiven,” was found deceased at his Santa Fe, New Mexico home on February 26, 2025, at 95.
His wife, classical pianist Betsy Arakawa, 63, and one of their dogs were also found dead at the residence. Authorities have stated there are no immediate signs of foul play, and investigations into the cause of death are ongoing.
The daughter of Hackman said the cause of death was likely carbon monoxide poisoning, and authorities said the couple and their dog were dead for at least a day before their bodies were found.
Born on January 30, 1930, in San Bernardino, California, Hackman left home at 16 to join the U.S. Marine Corps, serving as a field radio operator. After his military service, he pursued journalism and television production before turning to acting in his late twenties.
Despite early setbacks, including being voted “least likely to succeed” during his time at the Pasadena Playhouse, Hackman persevered and made his film debut in 1964’s Lilith.
Hackman’s breakthrough role was as Buck Barrow in “Bonnie and Clyde” (1967), which earned him an Academy Award nomination for Best Supporting Actor.
He won his first Oscar for Best Actor portraying Detective Jimmy “Popeye” Doyle in “The French Connection” (1971) and a second for Best Supporting Actor as Little Bill Daggett in “Unforgiven” (1992). His diverse career spanned over four decades, with notable performances in “The Conversation” (1974), “Superman” (1978) as Lex Luthor, and “Hoosiers” (1986).
In 2004, Hackman retired from acting, shifting his creative focus to writing. He co-authored several novels with undersea archaeologist Daniel Lenihan, including “Wake of the Perdido Star” (1999). Hackman was also an avid cyclist with a passion for architecture and design, having designed and built multiple homes.
Hackman married Faye Maltese in 1956, with whom he had three children: Christopher, Elizabeth, and Leslie. The couple divorced in 1986. In 1991, he married Betsy Arakawa, and they resided together in Santa Fe. Hackman was known for his private nature, rarely making public appearances after his retirement.
Tributes have poured in from the film community, with director Francis Ford Coppola describing Hackman as “an actor of extraordinary talent and versatility.”
Actor Nathan Lane, who co-starred with Hackman in “The Birdcage” (1996), praised his “authenticity and dedication to the craft.” Hackman’s legacy as one of cinema’s most respected and versatile actors endures, leaving an indelible mark on the industry.
