Gene Hackman, the legendary two-time Oscar-winning actor known for his roles in The French Connection, Unforgiven, and the groundbreaking LGBTQ+ film The Birdcage, was found dead at the age of 95. His wife, Betsy Arakawa, 63, was also found deceased alongside him and their pet dog at their residence in Santa Fe, New Mexico.
According to Santa Fe County Sheriff Adan Mendoza, authorities discovered the couple around midnight on 27 February. While the cause of death remains unconfirmed, Mendoza stated that foul play is not suspected.
“We can confirm that both Gene Hackman and his wife were found deceased Wednesday afternoon at their residence on Sunset Trail,” Mendoza told local media. “This is an active investigation – however, at this time, we do not believe that foul play was a factor. I want to assure the community and neighbourhood that there’s no immediate danger to anyone.”
A Career of Unmatched Versatility
Hackman retired from acting in 2004 after an illustrious career spanning over five decades. He made his television debut in 1959 with The United States Steel Hour and went on to become one of Hollywood’s most respected actors.
Among his many accolades, Hackman won two Academy Awards: Best Actor for the 1971 thriller The French Connection and Best Supporting Actor for the 1992 Western Unforgiven. He also received three additional Oscar nominations for his roles in Bonnie & Clyde, I Never Sang for My Father, and Mississippi Burning.
With over 100 roles to his name, Hackman was widely recognised for portraying the infamous villain Lex Luthor in Superman. His career earned him numerous prestigious awards, including two BAFTAs, four Golden Globes, and a Screen Actors Guild Award.
The Birdcage: A Landmark LGBTQ+ Film
One of Hackman’s most celebrated later roles was in the 1996 film The Birdcage, a box office hit and a milestone for LGBTQ+ representation in Hollywood. He starred alongside Robin Williams and Nathan Lane, portraying Kevin Keeley, an ultra-conservative Republican senator who finds himself entangled in a hilarious and heartwarming clash of cultures when his daughter becomes engaged to the son of a gay couple.
The film, a remake of the 1978 French classic La Cage aux Folles, was one of the first major comedies to showcase LGBTQ+ characters in a mainstream, positive light. While many films at the time focused on the devastating impact of the AIDS epidemic—such as Philadelphia—The Birdcage provided a rare, joyous representation of gay life on screen. The film was a major step forward for LGBTQ+ visibility in Hollywood, and Hackman’s performance as a rigid, old-school conservative who eventually softens remains one of his most memorable comedic roles.
Hackman’s participation in The Birdcage helped bring LGBTQ+ stories to a wider audience at a time when such representation was still rare in mainstream cinema. His portrayal of Keeley, who undergoes a transformation from homophobic senator to reluctant ally, was a crucial part of the film’s enduring appeal.
A Quiet Ally in Hollywood
While Hackman was never outspoken about LGBTQ+ rights in public, his willingness to take on a role in The Birdcage—a film that celebrated queer love, drag culture, and family acceptance—was significant. The film resonated with audiences worldwide and remains a beloved part of LGBTQ+ cinema history.
Hackman also worked alongside and supported many openly LGBTQ+ actors and filmmakers throughout his career. His work in The Birdcage was recognised by the LGBTQ+ community as a meaningful contribution to representation in Hollywood, and he was widely appreciated for playing a character who learns to embrace love and acceptance.
Retirement and Final Years
Hackman retired from Hollywood in 2004, citing health concerns. In a 2006 interview with Empire, he reflected on his decision to step away from acting:
“The straw that broke the camel’s back was actually a stress test that I took in New York. The doctor advised me that my heart wasn’t in the kind of shape that I should be putting it under any stress.”
Since retiring, Hackman lived a private life in Santa Fe, rarely making public appearances. However, he was seen in early 2024 walking with his wife.
Hackman leaves behind a legacy as one of Hollywood’s most revered actors—an artist who not only defined multiple film genres but also contributed to LGBTQ+ representation in a way that still resonates today.
