SANTA FE, NEW MEXICO – In a tragic loss, all-time great American actor Gene Hackman was found dead with his wife and dog in their Santa Fe, New Mexico home.
Authorities are so far proclaiming there is no foul play on the three deaths. Hackman was 95-years-old and allegedly in declining health. Hackman’s wife, Betsy Arakawa, was 64-years-old.
According to a local sheriff leading the investigation, “Foul play is not suspected as a factor in those deaths at this time, however exact cause of death has not been determined. This is an active and ongoing investigation by the Santa Fe County Sheriff’s Office.”
Hackman, a former military man, was a two-time Oscar-winning actor who played in countless memorable roles in American movies. Many grew up watching him frustrate Christopher Reeves in the Superman movies as the diabolical Lex Luthor, always with a new plot to take over the world. He played the role with humor and charisma unmatched by future actors who took his place. Hackman was unforgettable in Hoosiers as the championship-winning coach Norman Dale, a no-nonsense, my-way-or-the-highway leader who cared deeply for his players, and it showed on the big screen. He first won the Best Actor Oscar as Popeye Doyle in 1971’s The French Connection and an award in Unforgiven alongside Clint Eastwood.
(PHOTOS of Gene Hacman via genehackmanofficial Instagram.)