Gene Hackman and his wife found dead at their home

Police investigating but 'do not believe foul play was a factor'

by Amber Wilkinson

Gene Hackman as Harry Caul in The Conversation
Gene Hackman as Harry Caul in The Conversation

Oscar-winner Gene Hackman and his wife Betsy Arakawa have been found dead in their home in Santa Fe, New Mexico, police have confirmed.

The star, who retired after 2004 comedy Welcome To Mooseport, was 95. Classical pianist Arakawa, who wed the French Connection star in 1991, was 63.

A statement from the Santa Fe County Sheriff in New Mexico 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."

Hackman won the best actor Oscar as Jimmy "Popeye" Doyle in William Friedkin's 1971 thriller The French Connection, and went on to take the best supporting equivalent for playing Little Bill Daggett in Clint Eastwood's Western Unforgiven in 1992.

He was also Oscar-nominated for Bonnie And Clyde, I Never Sang For My Father and Mississippi Burning.

Across a four decade film career, the star was also celebrated for roles including Harry Caul in The Conversation, Lex Luthor in the Superman films and Wes Anderson's The Royal Tenebaums.

Share this with others on...
News

'History is constantly repeating itself' Ferit Karahan on recurring cycles and the end of childhood in Djinn Wedding

Expanding the possible Fernanda Salgado on fantasy, reality, Jan Švankmajer and Ana, En Passant

A burning thing Sneha Mehta and Teddy Stern on falling in love with Mumbai, and making Getar Hero

Nothing is impossible Paul Rowley on moving to New York, the Pulse massacre, and Gays Against Guns

‘The only thing that makes a story universal is emotions’ Warsaw’s Industry panel discuss reaching audiences abroad

European Film Academy shortlist announced 68 features vie for nomination

More news and features

We're bringing you all the latest news and reviews from the London Film Festival and Newfest.



We're looking forward to the Belfast Film Festival, Halloween Frightfest, the Cheltenham International Film Festival and the Leeds International Film Festival.



We've recently brought you coverage of the New York Film Festival, Grimmfest, Beyond Fest, the San Sebastian International Film Festival, Fantastic Fest, the Toronto International Film Festival and the Venice Film Festival.



Read our full for more.


Visit our festivals section.

Interact

Don't forget that you can follow us on YouTube for trailers of festival films and more. You can also find us on Mastodon, Instagram and Bluesky.


It's a busy time for festivals and here's the latest:


London Winners announced


Tallinn Black Nights UK co-production joins Works In Progress


Warsaw What Belongs To Others takes top prize


Tallinn Baltic Competition, Rebels With A Cause and Critics' Picks titles announced


Dinard I See Buildings Fall Like Lightning named Best Film