Gene Hackman

American actor (1930–2025)

Eugene Allen Hackman (January 30, 1930 – February 18, 2025) was an American actor.

Gene Hackman
Hackman in 1972
Born
Eugene Allen Hackman

(1930-01-30)January 30, 1930
DiedFebruary 18, 2025(2025-02-18) (aged 95)
NationalityAmerican
OccupationActor
Years active1959–2004
Spouses
  • Faye Maltese
    (m. 1956; div. 1986)
  • Betsy Arakawa
    (m. 1991)
Children3

Early life

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Hackman was born in San Bernardino, California. His parents divorced while he was a child, and he moved from one place to another until he settled finally in Danville, Illinois, where he lived with his English-born grandmother. He left home at 16 years old to join the Marines, where he served three years as a radio operator.

Having finished his service, he moved to New York, where he worked in several minor jobs.[clarification needed] He then studied television (TV) production and journalism at the University of Illinois.

Career

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Already over 30 years old, Hackman decided to become an actor, and joined the Pasadena Playhouse in California. It was in that school that Hackman became friends with another man named Dustin Hoffman, who also wanted to be an actor. After working hard in many roles he became a well-respected actor. He won two Academic Awards, and has played many well-known roles.

Hackman was found dead, along with his wife and their dog, at their home in Santa Fe, New Mexico, on February 26, 2025. He was 95.[1][2] The Santa Fe police department said there were no signs of foul play.[3]

Filmography

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Other websites

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References

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  1. "Sheriff: Gene Hackman, wife found dead in Santa Fe home; no foul play suspected". Santa Fe New Mexican. February 27, 2025.
  2. "Gene Hackman and wife Betsy Arakawa found dead in Santa Fe". BBC News. 27 February 2025.
  3. Lee, Benjamin; Shoard, Catherine (2025-02-27). "Gene Hackman and pianist wife Betsy Arakawa found dead at home with their dog". The Guardian. ISSN 0261-3077. Retrieved 2025-02-27.