Gene Hackman retired from acting at the age of 95

Gene Hackman, a name synonymous with cinematic brilliance, left an indelible mark on Hollywood with his versatile performances and rugged charm. On February 26, 2025, the world was shaken by the news of his death, alongside his wife Betsy Arakawa, in their Santa Fe, New Mexico home. At 95, Hackman had long retired from acting, but his legacy as a two-time Oscar winner endured.

This article dives into his extraordinary life, iconic movies, net worth, and the unanswered questions surrounding his and Betsy’s deaths, optimized for readers seeking a comprehensive look at Gene Hackman today.

Who Was Gene Hackman?

Born Eugene Allen Hackman on January 30, 1930, in San Bernardino, California, Gene Hackman’s journey to stardom was anything but conventional. Raised in Danville, Illinois, after a nomadic childhood, he left home at 16 to join the U.S. Marine Corps, serving as a radio operator.

After his discharge, Hackman dabbled in journalism and television production before finding his true calling in acting at the Pasadena Playhouse, where he famously befriended Dustin Hoffman. Despite being voted “least likely to succeed” by peers, Hackman’s determination propelled him to become one of America’s greatest actors.

Hackman’s personal life included two marriages. His first, to Faye Maltese, lasted from 1956 to 1986 and produced three children: Christopher, Elizabeth, and Leslie. In 1991, he married Betsy Arakawa, a classical pianist from Hawaii, with whom he shared a quiet life in New Mexico until their tragic end.

Gene Hackman’s Iconic Movies

Gene Hackman’s filmography spans over four decades, featuring more than 100 credits that showcase his range from gritty dramas to lighthearted comedies. Here are some of his standout roles:

• • The French Connection (1971): Hackman won his first Oscar for Best Actor as Jimmy “Popeye” Doyle, a relentless detective in this action-packed thriller. The film’s iconic car chase remains a benchmark in cinema history.

• • Unforgiven (1992): His portrayal of the ruthless Sheriff “Little Bill” Daggett earned him a Best Supporting Actor Oscar, solidifying his status as a Western icon under Clint Eastwood’s direction.

• • Superman (1978): As the cunning Lex Luthor, Hackman brought wit and menace to the superhero genre, reprising the role in Superman II and Superman IV: The Quest for Peace.

• • Bonnie and Clyde (1967): His Oscar-nominated role as Buck Barrow marked his breakout, showcasing his ability to blend humor and tragedy.

• • Mississippi Burning (1988): Another Oscar-nominated performance as an FBI agent tackling racial tensions in the South highlighted his dramatic depth.

• • The Royal Tenenbaums (2001): Hackman’s comedic turn as the quirky patriarch Royal Tenenbaum proved his versatility late in his career.

Other notable films include The Conversation (1974), Hoosiers (1986), Crimson Tide (1995), and The Birdcage (1996). His final film, Welcome to Mooseport (2004), marked his retirement, driven by health concerns after a stress test revealed heart issues.

At the time of his death, Gene Hackman’s net worth was estimated at around $80 million. This fortune stemmed from his prolific acting career, lucrative roles in blockbusters like Superman, and his ventures into writing.

Post-retirement, Hackman authored several novels, including Pursuit (2013) and Escape from Andersonville, adding to his wealth. His modest lifestyle in Santa Fe, far from Hollywood’s glitz, reflected his grounded nature despite his financial success.

On February 26, 2025, Gene Hackman, Betsy Arakawa, and their pet dog were discovered deceased in their Santa Fe home following a welfare check requested around 1:45 PM local time. Santa Fe County Sheriff Adan Mendoza confirmed the deaths on February 27, stating no foul play was suspected.

However, the cause of death remains undisclosed, sparking speculation online. Some suggest natural causes given Hackman’s age of 95 and Arakawa’s 63 years, while others ponder a tragic double suicide or an environmental factor like carbon monoxide poisoning, especially since their dog also perished.

Hackman had been out of the public eye since retiring, with rare sightings in recent years showing him active—cycling and doing yard work at 93. His last public statement came in 2021, reflecting on The French Connection’s 50th anniversary. Betsy, a private figure, supported Hackman’s quiet life, making their sudden deaths all the more shocking.

How Did Gene Hackman Die?

As of now, no official cause of death has been released for Gene Hackman or Betsy Arakawa. The lack of foul play, as noted by authorities, rules out violence, but questions linger.

Was it a health-related decline for Hackman, who had heart concerns since 2004? Did an unforeseen event claim both their lives simultaneously? Theories abound, but without an autopsy report, the mystery persists. Fans and media alike await further updates to understand how this Hollywood titan met his end.

Before his death, Gene Hackman lived a reclusive yet fulfilling life in New Mexico. Spotted as recently as 2023 looking fit at 93, he embraced hobbies like cycling, writing, and architecture—having designed over 10 homes.

His retreat from acting didn’t diminish his cultural impact; tributes poured in after his passing, with peers like Michael Caine and Robin Williams (via past praise) lauding him as an “actor’s actor.”

Is Gene Hackman Dead?

Yes, Gene Hackman is dead. The news, confirmed on February 27, 2025, ended speculation about whether he was still alive, a question that had surfaced periodically since his 2004 retirement. Misspellings like “Gene Havkman” or “Jean Hackman” occasionally muddled searches, but the world now mourns the real Gene Hackman.

No, prior rumors of Hackman’s death—such as a 2015 hoax sparked by a misleading headline—were debunked. He was alive and well until this tragic event, living privately with Betsy.

Though Gene Hackman died at 95, his influence endures. From The French Connection’s raw intensity to Unforgiven’s haunting depth, his work remains a masterclass in acting. Fans searching “Gene Hackman now” or “Gene Hackman today” will find a legacy of resilience, talent, and authenticity—a man who rose from humble beginnings to cinematic immortality.

Gene Hackman’s death, alongside Betsy Arakawa’s, closes a chapter on a remarkable life. While questions about “how did Gene Hackman die” and “Gene Hackman cause of death” linger, his contributions to film are undisputed.

With a net worth of $80 million, a catalog of unforgettable movies, and a love story with Betsy that spanned 34 years, Hackman’s tale is one of triumph and mystery. Hollywood has lost a giant, but his reel of classics ensures he’ll never be forgotten. Rest in peace, Gene.