Gene Hackman, the legendary two-time Oscar-winning actor with over 75 film credits spanning his 40-year career, passed away at his Santa Fe home alongside his wife, pianist Betsy Arakawa, on February 26, 2025. He was 95.
Born on January 30, 1930, in San Bernardino, California, Hackman grew up in Danville, Illinois. Despite an early interest in journalism, his passion for acting ultimately prevailed. In a 1982 interview with Architectural Digest, he recalled, “I kept rediscovering the fact that I wanted to be an actor… finally, the desire became so strong that I just gave in to it.” At 19, Hackman enrolled in acting classes at the Pasadena Playhouse, where he formed a friendship with Dustin Hoffman. Ironically, the two future stars were once labeled “least likely to succeed.”
Gene Hackman: The Life and Work
Throughout his illustrious career, Hackman earned five Academy Award nominations, winning Best Actor for The French Connection (1971) and Best Supporting Actor for Unforgiven (1992). His breakout role came in Bonnie and Clyde (1967), earning him an Oscar nomination for Best Supporting Actor. Hackman’s diverse filmography included portraying the villainous Lex Luthor in Superman and the eccentric patriarch in Wes Anderson’s The Royal Tenenbaums. After retiring from acting in the mid-2000s, he focused on painting and writing, co-authoring three novels between 1999 and 2008, followed by two solo works in 2011 and 2013.
He is survived by three children from his first marriage to Fay Maltese, whom he wed in 1956 and divorced in 1986. He later married Betsy Arakawa in 1991.
In a past interview with GQ, Hackman was asked how he wished to be remembered. He humbly responded, “As a decent actor. As someone who tried to portray what was given to them in an honest fashion.” When asked to summarize his life in one phrase, he simply said, “He tried.”
Gene Hackman’s Architectural Passion and Santa Fe Home
Hackman had a deep appreciation for architecture and interior design, evident in his Santa Fe residence. Having lived in multiple homes throughout his life, he once likened remodeling to acting: “I interpret what’s already there.” His Santa Fe property, situated on a scenic 12-acre hilltop, was a transformation of a deteriorating 1950s structure into a blend of pueblo, colonial New Mexico, and Spanish Baroque styles.
Working with architects Stephen Samuelson and Harry Daple, Hackman sought an open floor plan with soaring ceilings and abundant natural light. Major renovations included removing 90% of the roof to create a spacious great hall with towering tree-trunk columns. Hackman meticulously curated every aspect of the house, from choosing custom-stamped tin ceilings to mixing paint colors himself for a natural aged effect. His design choices reflected a preference for comfort and character over strict adherence to Southwestern aesthetics.
The house was adorned with a mix of antique European furnishings and Moroccan accents, assembled with the help of Santa Fe designers Ken Figueredo and Glynn Gomez. Rather than aiming for a traditional New Mexican theme, Hackman and Arakawa blended soft Southwestern elements with eclectic finds from auctions and international travels.
Despite his travels for film projects, Hackman remained deeply involved in the home’s construction, frequently checking in with architects and designers. His commitment to authenticity extended to the smallest details, ensuring the house felt lived-in rather than newly built. For Hackman, the Santa Fe home was not just a retreat but a canvas where he could express his artistic sensibilities, whether through design, painting, or simply enjoying the serene landscape.
Even in his final years, Gene Hackman remained a storyteller, both on screen and in the spaces he created. His legacy lives on through his films, writings, and the homes he meticulously crafted to reflect his unique vision.
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