Oscar-winning actor Gene Hackman passes away at 95 alongside wife

Oscar-winning actor Gene Hackman, 95, and his wife, Betsy Arakawa, 63, were discovered deceased at their residence in Santa Fe, New Mexico, on Wednesday afternoon. 

Sheriff Adan Mendoza confirmed the tragic news to local media shortly after midnight, stating, "We can confirm that both Gene Hackman and his wife were found deceased Wednesday afternoon at their residence on Sunset Trail."

The sheriff emphasized that while the investigation is ongoing, "at this time we do not believe that foul play was a factor." However, details regarding the cause of death or the timing of their passing have not been disclosed, as officials are awaiting approval for a search warrant.

Hackman had an illustrious career spanning over six decades, earning two Academy Awards for his performances—one for best actor as Jimmy "Popeye" Doyle in the 1971 thriller The French Connection and another for best supporting actor for his role as Little Bill Daggett in Clint Eastwood's 1992 Western Unforgiven. He also received Oscar nominations for his work in Bonnie and Clyde (1967) and I Never Sang for My Father (1970), among others.

With more than 100 film credits to his name, Hackman is also remembered for his portrayal of Lex Luthor in the Superman films of the 1970s and 1980s, as well as roles in popular movies like Runaway Jury, The Conversation, and Wes Anderson's The Royal Tenenbaums. His last significant film appearance was in Welcome to Mooseport in 2004.