What was Gene Hackman’s last movie? A look into the Oscar winner’s career as legendary actor and wife found dead at home

Gene Hackman, a multi-Oscar Award-winning actor known for works across a range of genres, was found dead in his home. The actor his wife, Betsy Arakawa, and their dog were found dead on February 26, 2025.

The authorities have stated that there was no evidence of foul play adding that they are waiting to conduct further investigation into their deaths.

Gene Hackman had a marked impact on Hollywood over a career spanning more than four decades. His last film, Welcome to Mooseport (2004) marked the unexpected conclusion to his acting career.

2004’s Welcome to Mooseport, a political comedy, and Hackman portrayed Monroe Cole. Cole is a former U.S. president who moves to a small town in retirement and finds himself competing for the role of mayor against a local handyman (Ray Romano).

According to an article by Collider, the film was more of a romantic comedy than political satire, a decision that disappointed many critics.

While Welcome to Mooseport received lukewarm reviews and lackluster box office returns, it was not the reason for Gene Hackman’s retirement. The actor had been vocal for years about wanting to step away from Hollywood, which was primarily influenced by his health concerns. In an interview, he said:

"The straw that broke the camel’s back was actually a stress test that I took in New York. The doctor advised me that my heart wasn’t in the kind of shape that I should be putting it under any stress,"

A look into Gene Hackman’s legacy as an actor

Hackman rose to prominence in 1967 with his Academy Award-nominated role in Bonnie and Clyde, in which he portrayed Buck Barrow, Clyde’s charming brother.

Gene Hackman's big break came in 1971 when he played Jimmy “Popeye” Doyle in The French Connection, a bloody crime thriller that landed him an Academy Award for Best Actor. According to AP News, the movie earned a reputation for its realism and also for having some of the most exciting car chase scenes.

Through the years, Hackman played a variety of parts, including Superman’s archvillain Lex Luthor in Superman (1978) and its sequels, the introspective surveillance expert in The Conversation (1974), and the coach in Hoosiers.

Gene Hackman won his second Academy Award for Best Supporting Actor in Unforgiven (1992), directed by Clint Eastwood, in which he played the ruthless sheriff Little Bill Daggett.

His performances in Young Frankenstein (1974), Mississippi Burning (1988), and The Royal Tenenbaums (2001) have also been well received by the audience.

A report by AP News suggests that after retiring from acting, Hackman had been writing novels, specializing in historical fiction and thrillers. He also led a private life in Santa Fe, New Mexico, with his wife, Betsy Arakawa.