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Gene Hackman and his wife Betsy Arakawa have been found dead (Image: Getty)
legend , 95, and his wife Betsy Arakawa, 63, have been found dead in their Santa Fe home alongside their dog.
Santa Fe County Sheriff Adan Mendoza confirmed the news, revealing there are no signs of foul play. A cause of death has yet to be confirmed.
Hackman is best known for his roles in The French Connection, Unforgiven, I Never Sang for My Father and Bonnie and Clyde.
He retired from his six-decade long career in 2004, living a reclusive life with wife Betsy in New Mexico.
Gene and Betsy, a classical pianist, married in 1991. He was previously married to Faye Maltese, with who he shared children Christopher Allen, Elizabeth Jean, and Leslie Ann Hackman.
Gene and Betsy’s tragic dog
While Hackman was filming The Replacements in Baltimore, two stray dogs wandered onto the set, and he decided to take their to a local shelter.
They were named Gene and Keanu, after Hackman and his co-star Keanu Reeves.
Gene was then adopted by Hackman and his wife.
Concerned neighbours
Santa Fe County Sheriff’s Public Information Officer Denise Avila confirmed the couple was found during a welfare check after their neighbor called in concerned about their well-being.
Their time of death is yet to be disclosed.
Tributes flood in
Tributes have been pouring in for Hackman, with many referencing his successful career.
One said: “Absolutely devastating news about Gene Hackman and his wife. The details are unreliable at the moment, but it’s clear that one of the single greatest screen actors of the last 75 years has made his final bow.”
Another added: “One of the all time great actors has sadly left the stage. Gene Hackman RIP.”
A third chimed in: “RIP Gene Hackman, prob my favourite ever actor. Mississippi Burning and The French Connection are absolute masterpieces.”
Why Gene retired
Gene quietly stepped back from acting in 2004, but revealed the reason why in 2008.
He said: “I haven’t held a press conference to announce retirement, but yes, I’m not going to act any longer.’
“I’ve been told not to say that over the last few years, in case some real wonderful part comes up, but I really don’t want to do it any longer.”
He revealed he preferred writing novels, saying “I like the loneliness of it, actually. It’s similar in some ways to acting, but it’s more private and I feel like I have more control over what I’m trying to say and do.’
“There’s always a compromise in acting and in film, you work with so many people and everyone has an opinion… I don’t know that I like it better than acting, it’s just different. I find it relaxing and comforting.”
Full statement
County Sheriff Mendoza said: “We can confirm that both Gene Hackman and his wife were found deceased Wednesday afternoon at their residence on Sunset Trail.
“This is an active investigation – however, at this time we do not believe that foul play was a factor.”
(Image: Getty)
Seen with wife
Gene’s last public appearance came just days after he was seen with his wife Betsy.
It was the first time the couple were seen together in more than two decades.
He was seen gripping onto Betsy while using a cane as he tried to make his way down a set of stairs.
It was the first time the couple had been seen in public in 20 years.
No foul play
Sheriff Adan Mendoza said in a statement: “All I can say is that we’re in the middle of a preliminary death investigation, waiting on approval of a search warrant,”
Last public appearance
Hackman was last seen in public in April last year, 20 years after his retirement.
The actor, who was then 94, was seen alone filling his car with petrol as he wore a cap and sportswear.
Gene Hackman dead
legend Gene Hackman has been found dead at his Santa Fe home alongside his wife of 34 years, Betsy Arakawa.
Santa Fe County Sheriff Adan Mendoza has said there are no signs of foul play.