US Oscar-winning actor Gene Hackman, 95, has been found dead at his home in New Mexico together with his wife, Betsy Arakawa. Police say they do not currently suspect foul play in the deaths.
US actor Gene Hackman, 95, who won two Oscars in the course of his decadeslong career, was found dead on Wednesday afternoon together with his 63-year-old wife, Betsy Arakawa, in their home in the US state of New Mexico, police said.
The Santa Fe County Sheriff's office confirmed the deaths and said foul play was not suspected to have played a role. They added that the couple's dog had also been found dead.
Couple discovered after call for welfare check
Authorities said they found the couple at 1:45 am local time following a request to conduct a welfare check.
Hackman received the best actor Oscar in 1972 for his role as Detective Jimmy "Popeye" Doyle in "The French Connection," and another as best supporting actor for his part in 1992 Western "Unforgiven," directed by Clint Eastwood.
Born in California in 1940, he lied about his age to enlist in the US Marines at age 16. Following his discharge from the military, he pursued an acting career. He appeared in over 80 films before retiring in 2004.
'Inspiring and magnificent' — Director Francis Ford Coppola
Director Francis Ford Coppola, who directed Hackman in 1974's "The Conversation" mourned his passing in a post on Instagram.
"The loss of a great artist, always cause for both mourning and celebration: Gene Hackman a great actor, inspiring and magnificent in his work and complexity," Coppola wrote. "I mourn his loss, and celebrate his existence and contribution."
