Thu Feb 27 07:50:00 UTC 2025: ## Legendary Actor Gene Hackman Dies at 95
**Santa Fe, NM** – Two-time Academy Award winner Gene Hackman, renowned for his roles in films like *The French Connection* and *Unforgiven*, died Wednesday afternoon at his home in Santa Fe, New Mexico, along with his wife, Betsy Arakawa, and their dog. He was 95. Santa Fe County Sheriff Adan Mendoza confirmed the deaths Thursday morning, stating there was no immediate indication of foul play. The cause of death has not yet been released.
Hackman, born in San Bernardino, California, enjoyed a long and celebrated career spanning several decades. His performances earned him numerous accolades, including two Oscars: Best Actor for *The French Connection* (1971) and Best Supporting Actor for *Unforgiven* (1992). Other notable roles include Buck Barrow in *Bonnie and Clyde* and Lex Luthor in the *Superman* films. He later pursued a career in writing, co-authoring several novels with friend Daniel Lenihan, and publishing solo works as well.
Hackman resided in Santa Fe since the 1980s, marrying Arakawa, a classical pianist, in 1991. While he largely kept a private life in his later years, occasional public sightings, often noted in local news, kept his presence felt within the Santa Fe community.
The news of Hackman’s passing has sent shockwaves through Hollywood and the Santa Fe community, where he was known both for his impressive career and his more low-key life in the city. Further details regarding the circumstances of the deaths are pending investigation.
First Piper 