Oscar winner and legendary actor Gene Hackman has been found dead alongside his wife, it has been reported. The 95-year-old actor and his wife, classical pianist Betsy Arakawa, were found dead on Wednesday at their home in the Santa Fe Summit community.
It is understood the couple died along with their dog. Police have said there is not thought to be any foul play involved. It is not known when the couple died.
A statement from the Santa Fe County Sheriff in New Mexico said there is an “active investigation” into the death of couple. The police department 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.” It also confirmed his wife’s name of Betsy Arakawa.
Gene Jackman became a household name with a career spanning more than six decades. He won an Oscar for Best Actor in 1972 for his role in The French Connection. He won a second Academy Award for his role in Unforgiven.
The star also won two BAFTAS and four Golden Globes. He also played supervillain Lex Luther in the Superman film series.
Gene Hackman was born in January 1930 and enlisted in the arming after lying about his age at 16. After leaving the forces he studied journalism before turning to acting.
As a member of the Pasadena Playhouse he because close friends with Dustin Hoffman, also new to the movies at the time. His first film was Lilith but then appeared in 1967’s Bonnie and Clyde, earning his first Oscar nomination for Best Supporting Actor, followed by a second nod for 1970’s I Never Sang for My Father.
In 1971, he won the Oscar for Best Actor for The French Connection, and starred in 10 pictures over the next three years. He nabbed a second Oscar for the 1992 Clint Eastwood western Unforgiven.
Other notable roles included The Poseidon Adventure (1972), The Conversation (1974), Mississippi Burning (1988), The Firm (1993), Enemy of the State (1998), The Royal Tenenbaums (2001) and Runaway Jury (2003).