Gene Hackman, a two-time Academy Award winner, and his wife, classical pianist Betsy Arakawa, were discovered deceased in their home in Santa Fe Summit, New Mexico, on Wednesday afternoon. The Santa Fe County Sheriff, Adan Mendoza, confirmed the tragic news, revealing that Hackman, Arakawa, and their dog were found dead. There was no sign of foul play, although Sheriff Mendoza did not disclose the cause of death or provide any details on when the couple may have passed away.

The couple had been together since 1991, and Hackman, who celebrated his 95th birthday in late January, had been a fixture in the entertainment world for decades. Fans had been concerned about his health after a public appearance last year, where the actor appeared frail. Despite his age, Hackman had largely stayed out of the public eye in recent years, maintaining his privacy and avoiding public appearances.

Hackman was known for his extraordinary career in Hollywood, where he spent over four decades building an impressive body of work. With over 70 films to his name, he became one of the most respected actors of his generation. Hackman earned critical acclaim and multiple prestigious awards during his time in Hollywood, including two Academy Awards. He won the Oscar for Best Actor for his role in The French Connection and also earned a Best Supporting Actor Oscar for his portrayal of the ruthless sheriff Little Bill Daggett in Clint Eastwood’s Unforgiven.

Despite his success, Hackman retired from acting quietly in the late 2000s. He made hints about his decision to step away from the limelight in a 2004 interview with Larry King, noting that he had no upcoming projects on the horizon. His departure from Hollywood was not abrupt; in fact, Hackman had been increasingly selective about the roles he took on in the years leading up to his retirement. In 2009, he revealed the main reason behind his decision to leave acting. A stress test conducted in New York showed concerning results about his heart health, prompting him to rethink the physical demands of acting. Hackman later explained that his doctor advised him to avoid stress in his life, a message that ultimately led to his quiet retirement.

Post-retirement, Hackman shifted his focus to more leisurely pursuits. He embraced hobbies like painting, fishing, and writing, which allowed him to maintain a sense of fulfillment without the pressure of Hollywood. Hackman once shared that writing, in particular, was a relaxing process for him. “I don’t picture myself as a great writer, but I really enjoy the process,” he said in an interview. He described writing as a solitary and manageable activity, especially compared to the high-pressure environment of film sets with large crews waiting for his performance.

Hackman is survived by his three children from his previous marriage to Faye Maltese: Christopher, Elizabeth Jean, and Leslie Anne. Though Hackman retired from the entertainment industry, his legacy in Hollywood and beyond remains impactful. His unique talent and iconic roles continue to be remembered by fans and critics alike.