Gene Hackman, one of Hollywood’s most celebrated and versatile actors, passed away at the age of 95 in February 2025. Hackman, along with his wife, Betsy Arakawa, and their dog, was found deceased at their residence in Santa Fe, New Mexico. The news has sent ripples through the film industry, which is still reflecting on Hackman’s immense legacy just days before this year’s Academy Awards ceremony.
Gene Hackman’s Illustrious Career and Financial Success
At the time of his death, Hackman’s net worth was estimated to be around $80 million, according to celebritynetworth.com. A veteran of more than four decades in Hollywood, Hackman built a career that brought him critical acclaim and financial success. Despite retiring from acting in 2004 due to health concerns, his presence remained deeply influential within the industry.
Hackman’s career spanned over 80 films, where he frequently moved between genres with remarkable ease. From portraying Lex Luthor in the “Superman” franchise to Coach Norman Dale in the underdog sports drama “Hoosiers,” Hackman proved he could bring gravitas, intensity, and humanity to any role.
Among his most commercially successful projects was “Superman” (1978), which earned him a reported $2 million, making it his most lucrative film. He also secured $1.3 million each for performances in “The Quick and the Dead” (1995) and “Lucky Lady” (1975). Interestingly, Hackman reportedly earned $100,000 for “The French Connection” (1971), the gritty crime thriller that won him his first Academy Award for Best Actor.
Oscar Wins and Career Milestones
Gene Hackman earned five Academy Award nominations throughout his career, taking home two Oscars. His first was for Best Actor in “The French Connection” (1972), a role that defined him as a force to be reckoned with. Two decades later, he claimed the Best Supporting Actor Oscar for Clint Eastwood’s 1992 Western “Unforgiven.”
In addition to his Oscars, Hackman won four Golden Globe Awards, two BAFTA Awards, and a Screen Actors Guild Award. His dynamic performances routinely landed him on critics’ lists of the greatest American actors of the 20th century.
Hackman’s Reflections on “Hoosiers” and Financial Motivation
While Hackman’s dedication to his craft was unquestionable, he once candidly admitted to taking on a role solely for financial reasons. Speaking about “Hoosiers” (1986), one of his most beloved films, Hackman revealed that financial desperation led him to accept the role of Coach Dale.
“I took the film at a time that I was desperate for money. I took it for all the wrong reasons, and it turned out to be one of those films that stick around,” Hackman once said in an interview. Despite his initial reluctance, the movie became a sports classic, resonating with audiences across generations. He also noted the personal connection he felt to the story, as it was filmed only 50 miles from where he grew up.
Military Background and Early Life
Before becoming an acting legend, Hackman briefly served in the U.S. Marines, enlisting at just 16 years old after lying about his age. His early years were marked by an unconventional path, which later contributed to the grounded, everyman quality he brought to many of his roles.
Personal Life and Family
Hackman’s personal life was relatively private. He was married to Betsy Arakawa, a former classical pianist and businesswoman, who was 65 at the time of her passing. The couple shared a home in Santa Fe, New Mexico, where they enjoyed a quiet life following Hackman’s retirement from acting. Hackman is also survived by three children from his previous marriage to Faye Maltese, which ended in 1986.
Suspicious Circumstances Surrounding His Death
The recent discovery of Hackman’s death has left authorities investigating. The Santa Fe County Sheriff’s Office confirmed that Hackman, his wife, and their dog had likely been deceased for some time before a maintenance worker found them. While no signs of foul play, such as gunshot wounds or visible trauma, were evident, officials labeled the scene “suspicious enough” to merit a thorough investigation.
According to the affidavit, Hackman was found in an entryway, while Betsy Arakawa was discovered on the bathroom floor with a space heater nearby. The positioning of the space heater, potentially having fallen during the incident, has raised questions as to the sequence of events. As of now, investigators are awaiting toxicology results and other forensic evaluations to provide clarity on what transpired.
Retirement and Life After Hollywood
Gene Hackman stepped away from acting in 2004, citing health reasons. However, his retirement did not signal a complete withdrawal from creative endeavors. Hackman transitioned to a successful career as a novelist, co-authoring several historical fiction and thriller novels. He also remained an occasional public figure, participating in interviews and offering commentary on the film industry’s evolution.
A Legacy That Endures
Gene Hackman leaves behind a monumental legacy. From action-packed blockbusters to thought-provoking dramas, Hackman’s filmography reflects an artist who was never afraid to challenge himself or defy expectations. His roles in “The Conversation” (1974), “Mississippi Burning” (1988), “The Royal Tenenbaums” (2001), and countless other classics have secured his place in cinema history.
Hackman’s impact on generations of actors and filmmakers is immeasurable. As tributes continue to pour in following his passing, Hollywood—and audiences around the world—remember him as a consummate professional who defined what it meant to be a character actor capable of leading a blockbuster or anchoring an indie drama.
With a net worth of $80 million and a career spanning more than 50 years, Gene Hackman’s enduring influence on the silver screen and beyond will be felt for years to come.