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Gene Hackman Died Alongside His Wife and His Dog and Shocked Hollywood
The legendary 95-year-old actor and his wife were found dead at their residence alongside their dog.
The film world was in shock after the sudden death of Gene Hackman and his wife, Betsy Arakawa. Both were found lifeless in their residence in Santa Fe, New Mexico, along with their dog, which raised more questions about the incident.
County Sheriff Adán Mendoza confirmed that an investigation was opened to determine the cause of death. "At this time, we don't believe there are any signs of a crime," Mendoza stated. He added that the preliminary investigation continued pending a search warrant to clarify what happened.
The discovery of the actor, his wife, and their pet without vital signs increased doubts about the circumstances of their death. Officers reported that Hackman, 95, and Arakawa, 64, were found Wednesday afternoon around 1:45 p.m.
Who was Gene Hackman: his legacy in film
Hackman was an actor of great impact in Hollywood, recognized for his intensity and versatility. His rise to fame came with his portrayal of detective Jimmy "Popeye" Doyle in The French Connection (1971), a role that earned him an Oscar for Best Actor. The film directed by William Friedkin became iconic thanks to its electrifying car chase.
Two decades later, in Unforgiven (1992), he excelled again with his role as the ruthless sheriff "Little Bill" Daggett, winning his second Academy Award for Best Supporting Actor.
With a career spanning over 60 years, Hackman appeared in more than 80 films and received four additional Oscar nominations. Among his most memorable roles are the surveillance expert Harry Caul in The Conversation (1974), the former sheriff in Mississippi Burning (1988), and the eccentric Royal Tenenbaum in The Royal Tenenbaums (2001), a performance that earned him a Golden Globe.
His legacy in film remains intact, leaving an indelible mark on the global film industry.
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