Actor Gene Hackman and wife Betsy Arakawa found dead in their Santa Fe apartment

Legendary actor Gene Hackman with his wife Betsy Arakawa were found dead in their home in Santa Fe, New Mexico, in a shocking turn of events. At the moment, very little is known about the case. Authorities are yet to determine the cause of death, but no foul play is suspected.

"Foul play is not suspected as a factor in those deaths at this time, however exact cause of death has not been determined. This is an active and ongoing investigation by the Santa Fe County Sheriff’s Office,” the statement read.

The 95-year-old actor was known for his iconic roles in movies like Unforgiven, Mississippi Burning, Bonnie and Clyde, and many more. The incident came to light when the police were called to conduct a wellness check on the couple on Wednesday. Upon arrival at their home at around 1:45 pm, they discovered the actor, his wife Arakawa, and their dog deceased. As of now, no official statement has yet been made by the actor's representatives.

A look back at Gene Hackman's life and career

Eugene Allen Hackman, or General Hackman, as he was popularly known, was born on 30 January 1930 in San Bernadino, California. He enlisted in the US Marine Corps when he was 16, and after his discharge, he moved to New York to study stage acting. Gene Hackman acted in several small roles on stage and television before landing his big break in the 1967 movie Bonnie and Clyde.

In 1970, he received an Academy Award nomination for the Best Supporting Actor at the Academy Award for his brilliant performance in" I Never Sang to My Father." Just a year later, he won a BAFTA, a Golden Globe, and the coveted Academy Award, all in the same year, for his role as an NYPD detective in The French Connection.

Once again, in 1972, he won the Best Actor Award at the Academy Award for his role in The Last Picture Show, starring opposite Jane Fonda. In 1977, he collaborated with legendary director Richard Attenborough on the World War II movie, "A Bridge Too Far".

Hackman received several more nominations throughout his illustrious career until his retirement in 2004. In 2003, the actor received the prestigious Cecil B DeMille Award for his 'outstanding contributions to the world of entertainment.'

After his retirement, the Hollywood legend has led a quiet life and pursued a career as an author. Some of his written works include "Justice for None," "Escape from Andersonville," "Payback at Morning Peak," and several others.

Hackman was married twice. His first marriage was to Faye Maltese, and later, in 1991, he married classical pianist Betsy Arakawa, who was 32 years his junior. The couple kept to themselves and rarely made any public appearances.

Gene Hackman is survived by his three children. Fans worldwide are shocked by the sudden and mysterious death of Hackman and his wife. Tributes are pouring in from every corner as fans celebrate his iconic performances and lasting contributions to cinema..