Gene Hackman, Oscar-Winning Star of The French Connection, Dead at 95
Gene Hackman, the Academy Award-winning actor who starred in films including The French Connection, Crimson Tide and Superman, died Wednesday. He was 95.
Hackman and his wife, classical pianist Betsy Arakawa, 63, were found dead at their home in Santa Fe, N.M., our sister site Variety reports.
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The Santa Fe County Sheriff’s Department has not provided a cause of death. Although it was initially stated there was no indication of foul play, an affidavit released by New Mexico authorities now calls the deaths “suspicious enough in nature to require a thorough search and investigation.” (Deputies found Hackman and Arakawa, and their dog, deceased during a visit to the couple’s house.)
Per the affidavit, “the reporting party found the front door of the residence unsecured and opened,” and there were “no obvious signs of a gas leak” in the home. Pills were also reported to be scattered next to Arakawa’s body.
Hackman started his long and prestigious acting career on the stage and in television, appearing in series like The Defenders, The United States Steel Hour, Brenner, The Invaders and Iron Horse. He is best known, though, for his film work. Hackman’s role in the 1967 film Bonnie and Clyde earned him his first Oscar nomination (for Best Actor in a Supporting Role). He would go on to be nominated four more times, winning twice: Best Actor in a Leading Role for The French Connection and Best Actor in a Supporting Role for Unforgiven.
Hackman’s film career spawned many commercial and critical successes. He played Lex Luthor in Superman and its sequels Superman II and Superman IV: The Quest for Peace. He was Coach Norman Dale in the sports drama Hoosiers and patriarch Royal Tenenbaum in The Royal Tenenbaums.
His other big-screen work included Young Frankenstein, Reds, The Poseidon Adventure, Postcards From the Edge, The Firm, Crimson Tide, Get Shorty, The Birdcage, Behind Enemy Lines and Runaway Jury. His final film was 2004’s Welcome to Mooseport.
Hackman is survived by his children Christopher, Elizabeth and Leslie.
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