Authorities have launched an investigation into the deaths of Gene Hackman and his wife, Betsy Arakawa. Santa Fe County police found the couple, along with their dog, dead inside their Santa Fe, New Mexico, home on Wednesday. The circumstances under which Hackman and Betsy died remain unclear, and more details will be shared.
On Thursday, the Santa Fe County Sheriff's Office confirmed to NBC News that an "active and ongoing investigation" is underway regarding their deaths. Denise Womack Avila, the public information officer for the county sheriff's office, said that deputies responded to a call around 1:45 p.m. on Wednesday at a home on Old Sunset Trail in Hyde Park.
A Lot in Mystery
The bodies of Hackman and Arakawa were not officially identified until 12:30 a.m. on Thursday. "Foul play is not suspected as a factor in those deaths at this time however exact cause of death has not been determined," Avila's statement said.
Hackman, widely regarded as one of the greatest actors of all time, was 95 years old. Arakawa, a classical pianist who had been married to Hackman since 1991, was 63.
Hackman first gained widespread recognition with his role in "Bonnie and Clyde" (1967) and went on to star in numerous acclaimed films and TV shows, including "Superman", "The French Connection", and "Get Shorty".
However, in 2004, he officially retired from acting. Leaving Hollywood behind, he relocated from Los Angeles to the tranquility of New Mexico and never returned to the industry.
At the time, some speculated that his surprising departure was influenced by his marriage. In reality, the Oscar-winning actor stepped away due to the overwhelming stress of the profession, which took a toll on his health, particularly after he began experiencing heart problems.
An Icon Is Dead
Last year, Hackman and his wife Betsy, a 63-year-old classical pianist, were seen in public for the first time in two decades. Hackman was spotted holding onto his wife's arm for support as they dined at Pappadeaux's Seafood Kitchen in Santa Fe, New Mexico.
Before their dinner outing, he stopped at a local Speedway store for a cup of coffee and a slice of apple pie, as reported by the New York Post.
It was the couple's first public appearance together in 21 years, their last being at the 2003 Golden Globe Awards, where Hackman received the Cecil B. deMille Award.
The legendary two-time Oscar winner and his longtime partner appeared to be in good spirits as they left the restaurant together.
Hackman told Reuters in 2008: "I haven't held a press conference to announce retirement, but yes, I'm not going to act any longer. I've been told not to say that over the last few years, in case some real wonderful part comes up, but I really don't want to do it any longer."
In a 2011 interview with GQ, Hackman was asked if he would ever consider coming out of retirement for one last film. He jokingly replied, "If I could do it in my own house, maybe, without them disturbing anything and just one or two people."
Despite stepping away from acting, he remained involved in the industry by narrating two Marine Corps documentaries: The Unknown Flag Raiser of Iwo Jima (2016) and We, The Marines (2017).
Born in California on January 30, 1930, Hackman enlisted in the military at 16 after lying about his age, serving for four and a half years.
After serving the military, he briefly lived in New York before ultimately returning to California, where he decided to pursue a career in acting.
