Legendary actor Gene Hackman and his wife Betsy Arakawa have tragically been found dead alongside their pet dog.
Hackman was a two-time Oscar, two-time Academy Award, two-time BAFTA Award, and four-time Golden Globes-winning actor with a six-decade career.
The 95-year-old starred in films such as The French Connection, Clint Eastwood’s Unforgiven, Bonnie and Clyde, and Mississippi Burning.
Considered one of the greats of his generation, Hackman performed in over 100 roles, spanning countless genres, and touched the lives of many through his acting.
Hackman’s 63-year-old wife, Arakawa, was a classical pianist and stepmother to the actor’s three children with Faye Maltese.
Following the devastating announcement of the couple’s passing, tributes have poured in on social media.
One fan says: “The word ‘legend’ was truly made for artists like him! One of the greatest actors of all time! Thank you for my favorite movie.”
Another writes: “One of the most talented and honest/open actors ever. RIP.”
“One of the brilliant actors in Hollywood,” a third pens. “RIP, Gene and wife.”
A fourth adds: “Heartbreaking news. Rest in peace.”
Hackman chose to fade out of the limelight over the last two decades.
In an interview with Empire in 2004, the actor revealed he had quit acting due to his health.
He said: “The straw that broke the camel’s back was actually a stress test that I took in New York.
“The doctor advised me that my heart wasn’t in the kind of shape that I should be putting it under any stress.”
The 95-year-old had previously made comments about his distaste for stardom.
He shared in an interview with All About Actors: “‘I was trained to be an actor, not a star. I was trained to play roles, not to deal with fame and agents and lawyers and the press.”
Hackman and Arakawa, who had been married since 1991, resided in New Mexico.
Following his successful acting career, the star pursued writing and a quieter life, publishing several novels.
According to reports, authorities arrived at a gated community called Old Sunset Trail on Wednesday afternoon to investigate the deaths of two people and a dog.
It’s currently unclear if they had been alerted that the couple was deceased or called for a welfare check.
Santa Fe New Mexican reported that County Sheriff Adan Mendoza confirmed the news of the couple’s death just after midnight.
A statement from the sheriff reads: “We can confirm that both Gene Hackman and his wife were found deceased Wednesday afternoon at their residence on Sunset Trail.”
The sheriff confirmed that there is an ‘active investigation’ into the deaths, adding: “All I can say is that we’re in the middle of a preliminary death investigation, waiting on approval of a search warrant.”
Authorities also shared they do not suspect foul play was involved.
Hackman is survived by his three children, Christopher, Elizabeth Jean, and Leslie Anne.
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