Gene Hackman, the legendary actor known for his iconic roles in The French Connection and Superman, has passed away at the age of 95. Hackman and his wife, classical pianist Betsy Arakawa, were found deceased at their home in Santa Fe Summit on Wednesday, Feb. 26. The Santa Fe New Mexican reported the news, citing County Sheriff Adan Mendoza, who confirmed that the couple, along with their dog, had died.

Authorities have not indicated any signs of foul play in their deaths, Mendoza stated. However, no official cause of death has been provided, nor has it been determined. The couple have been married for over 30 years.

Eugene Allen Hackman, known to audiences worldwide as Gene Hackman, was born on January 30, 1930, in San Bernardino, California. Raised in Danville, Illinois, Hackman had a challenging upbringing, marked by his parents’ divorce when he was a teenager. At the age of 16, he left home to join the U.S. Marine Corps, serving as a field radio operator. After his military service, he pursued journalism and television production but eventually found his calling in acting.

Hackman studied at the Pasadena Playhouse, where he met fellow aspiring actor Dustin Hoffman. Though initially told he lacked star potential, he persevered, making his way to Off-Broadway and landing small television roles in the late 1950s and early 1960s. His breakthrough came in 1967 when he played Buck Barrow in Bonnie and Clyde, earning his first Academy Award nomination for Best Supporting Actor.

He quickly established himself as one of Hollywood’s most versatile actors. In 1971, he delivered a career-defining performance as Popeye Doyle in The French Connection, winning his first Academy Award for Best Actor. His portrayal of the relentless New York City detective solidified his reputation as a powerhouse performer. Throughout the 1970s and 1980s, he took on a variety of memorable roles, including his turn as Lex Luthor in Superman (1978) and its sequels, where he brought both charm and menace to the iconic villain.

Hackman continued to impress in films such as Hoosiers (1986), Mississippi Burning (1988), and Unforgiven (1992), the latter earning him his second Oscar, this time for Best Supporting Actor. His final major on-screen role was in Welcome to Mooseport (2004), after which he retired from acting. He later pursued writing, co-authoring several historical fiction novels.

Off-screen, Hackman maintained a private life. He was married to Fay Maltese from 1956 to 1986, with whom he had three children. In 1991, he married classical pianist Betsy Arakawa, and the couple resided in Santa Fe, New Mexico, for many years.