Hollywood star Gene Hackman and his wife Betsy Arakawa have been found dead at their home in Santa Fe, alongside their dog.
The Sante Fe county sheriff’s office said the cause of death is under investigation but they do not believe foul play is a factor at this time.
The 95-year-old received two Oscars and two Baftas during an acting career that spanned several decades, including the award for Best Actor in 1972 for his role as Detective Jimmy “Popeye” Doyle in The French Connection.
Hackman was also known for his roles as Buck Barrow in Bonnie and Clyde and villain Lex Luthor in Superman.
The 95-year-old received two Oscars and two Baftas during an acting career that spanned several decades – CBS Photo Archive
He landed a further Academy Award in the Best Supporting Actor category for his part in 1992 Western Unforgiven, directed by Clint Eastwood.
Hackman has not starred in a film since 2004, when he played Monroe “Eagle” Cole in the political satire Welcome to Mooseport.
The American actor married Betsy, 63, a classical pianist, in 1991.
A statement from the Santa Fe County Sheriff in New Mexico said there was an “active investigation” into the deaths.
The police department said: “We can confirm that both Gene Hackman and his wife were found deceased Wednesday afternoon at their residence on Sunset Trail.
“This is an active investigation – however, at this time we do not believe that foul play was a factor.”
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