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Actor Gene Hackman was found dead in his New Mexico home on Wednesday afternoon, along with his wife, pianist Betsy Arakawa, and their dog. Their remains were discovered after local authorities conducted a wellness check.
Hackman was 95 years old and Arakawa was 63.
Santa Fe County Sheriff Adan Mendoza announced the deaths early Thursday morning, reported the Santa Fe New Mexican. No cause of death was reported for either person, but law enforcement officials did reveal there was no immediate evidence of foul play.
Before becoming an actor, Hackman served five years in the United States Marine Corps. The thespian debuted in the 1964 film Lilith and had a career that spanned four decades. He won two Oscars: Best Actor in 1972 for The French Connection and Best Supporting Actor in 1993 for Unforgiven. His other famous roles include being a basketball coach in Hoosiers, a football coach in The Replacements, and comic book villain Lex Luthor in the Superman film series starring Christopher Reeve as the titular character.
Hackman retired from acting in 2004 after his last film.
“I haven’t held a press conference to announce retirement, but yes, I’m not going to act any longer,” the two-time Oscar winner said in an interview in 2008. “I’ve been told not to say that over the last few years, in case some real wonderful part comes up, but I really don’t want to do it any longer.”
He later transitioned into a career as an author, releasing three books after retiring from Hollywood.
Hackman is survived by his three children from his first marriage.