Actor Gene Hackman, known for classics such as The French Connection and Unforgiven, has been found dead in his home in New Mexico, along with his wife Betsy Arakawa and their dog. He was 95.
Multiple news agencies report that the Santa Fe County Sheriff's office has informed that no foul play is suspected. The time and cause of death are not yet ascertained.
A recipient of two Academy Awards, two BAFTA awards, and four Golden Globe awards, Hackman initially appeared in many small parts before making his breakthrough with Bonnie and Clyde and, later, attained more popularity with William Friedkin's The French Connection.
Often associated with authority figures and negative characters in films such as Behind Enemy Lines, Unforgiven, and Crimson Tide, Hackman also demonstrated in character-centric dramas such as The Conversation and Heist as well as demonstrating comedic talents in films such as Get Shorty and The Royal Tenenbaums. He is also known for his villainous turn as Lex Luthor in Richard Donner's Superman.
Born in 1930 in California, Hackman had served in the army before enrolling at the University of Illinois, Chicago, to study journalism and television production. He then moved back to California to pursue acting.
It was during his stint at the Pasadena Playhouse, California that Hackman met actor and another future star, Dustin Hoffman, also his roommate.
Hackman retired from acting twenty years ago, at age 74. He had three children with his late ex-wife, Faye Maltese.
He last appeared in the 2004 film Welcome to Mooseport.
