Actor Gene Hackman and Wife Found Dead in Their Home

Veteran actor Gene Hackman, a two-time Oscar winner and accomplished author, and his wife, classical pianist Betsy Arakawa, were found deceased at their Santa Fe Summit home on Wednesday afternoon.

Authorities, led by Santa Fe County Sheriff Adan Mendoza, confirmed the news in the early hours of Thursday, revealing that the couple, along with their pet dog, had passed away. Sheriff Mendoza indicated that there were no immediate signs of foul play, though he refrained from disclosing the cause of death or the timeframe in which the couple died.

Hackman's storied life traced back to his teenage years when he left home at 16 and enlisted in the United States Marine Corps. Following a stint as a field radio operator in China and serving a total of four and a half years, he transitioned to various jobs upon being discharged in 1951. This period led him to New York City before ultimately pursuing an acting career in California.

His journey at the Pasadena Playhouse marked the beginning of a remarkable friendship with fellow actor Dustin Hoffman. Despite initial setbacks and being labeled "The Least Likely To Succeed," notably with Hackman receiving the lowest rating at the Playhouse during that era, his resolve to defy expectations only grew stronger.

Hackman's illustrious acting career spanned from the 1960s to his retirement in 2004, featuring memorable roles in acclaimed films like "The French Connection," "Unforgiven," "Bonnie and Clyde," "Young Frankenstein," "Superman," and "The Royal Tenenbaums."

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In recent years, Hackman had maintained a low profile, opting to step away from the Hollywood scene due to health concerns. During this time, he found solace and creativity in writing novels from his ranch in Santa Fe.