Gene Hackman and wife found dead in their home in Santa Fe, New Mexico, along with their pet dog, authorities confirmed on Thursday at around 1:45 p.m.
The Santa Fe County Sheriff’s Office stated that no foul play is suspected, though the exact cause of death remains undetermined.
Investigations are still ongoing to determine the circumstances surrounding their passing.
Hackman, a two-time Academy Award winner, was widely known for his six-decade career in film, television, and theater, as well as his distinctive raspy voice.
He starred in over 80 films and was celebrated for his ability to portray complex characters, often blurring the line between hero and villain.
Hackman first gained recognition with an Oscar nomination for his role as Clyde Barrow’s brother in Bonnie and Clyde (1967). He received another Best Supporting Actor nomination for I Never Sang for My Father (1971).
His breakthrough came with his portrayal of Popeye Doyle, a fearless New York detective, in The French Connection (1971), earning him his first Academy Award for Best Actor.
In 1993, Hackman won Best Supporting Actor for his role as a ruthless sheriff in Clint Eastwood’s Unforgiven. He was also nominated for Mississippi Burning (1988), where he played an FBI agent.
Known as a method actor, Hackman delivered compelling performances in roles ranging from the villainous Lex Luthor in Superman to an inspiring basketball coach in Hoosiers (1986).
He retired from acting in his 70s, citing that he was only being offered “grandfather” roles. His last film appearance was in Welcome to Mooseport (2004).
Hackman was married twice and had three children—Christopher, Elizabeth Jean, and Leslie Anne—from his late ex-wife, Faye Maltese, who passed away in 2017.
At 95, Hackman leaves behind an enduring legacy as one of Hollywood’s most respected actors.
