Gene Hackman, the Oscar-winning actor known for his roles in The French Connection and Unforgiven, and his wife, Betsy Arakawa, were found dead in their home in New Mexico, authorities confirmed Thursday.

Santa Fe County Sheriff Adan Mendoza said deputies discovered the couple’s bodies Wednesday afternoon.

While there were no immediate signs of foul play, officials have not yet determined the cause of death.

Their dog was also found dead at the scene, according to reports from the Santa Fe New Mexican, Variety and Sky News.

Hackman, 95, was widely regarded as one of Hollywood’s finest actors, earning two Academy Awards, three Golden Globes, and a Cecil B. DeMille Award over his decades-long career.

He won the Oscar for Best Actor in The French Connection (1971) and Best Supporting Actor for Unforgiven (1992).

Arakawa, 63, was a classical pianist. The couple, who had been married since 1991, were last seen dining in Santa Fe in March 2024.

Born Eugene Hackman on 30 January 1930 in California, Hackman moved frequently before settling in Danville, Illinois.

At 13, he watched his father leave their family with a simple wave — a moment that he said affected him deeply.

Hackman joined the United States Marine Corps at 16, serving in China, Japan, and Hawaii. After his service, he studied journalism and television production at the University of Illinois but left to pursue acting.

At 27, he enrolled at the Pasadena Playhouse, where he befriended fellow aspiring actor Dustin Hoffman.

Hollywood dreams

Alongside Robert Duvall, the three formed a tight-knit group, chasing their Hollywood dream in New York City.

Hackman’s big break came in 1964 in the Broadway play, Any Wednesday, which led to his first major film role in Lilith alongside Warren Beatty.

When Beatty produced Bonnie and Clyde (1967), he cast Hackman as Buck Barrow, earning him his first Oscar nomination for Best Supporting Actor.

His defining role as Detective Jimmy “Popeye” Doyle in The French Connection cemented his status as a leading man.

Hackman’s career spanned over five decades, with acclaimed performances in The Conversation (1974), Hoosiers (1986), Mississippi Burning (1988) and The Royal Tenenbaums (2001).

Hackman retired from acting in 2004 and settled in New Mexico with Arakawa. He pursued a second career as a novelist, co-authoring several historical fiction books.