As police confirm the tragic news actor Gene Hackman and his wife, classical pianist Betsy Arakawa, have been found dead at their New Mexico home, we take a look at everything we know so far.
Double Oscar winner Hackman, 95 and Arakawa, 63, had been married for 34 years and led extremely private lives.
They moved to Santa Fe in 1990 after Hackman retired from Hollywood and pursued a career as an author.
On Wednesday (February 26), the couple and their pet dog were found dead at their residence on Sunset Trail, Santa Fe County Sheriff Adan Mendoza confirmed.
In a statement, he said: “All I can say is that we’re in the middle of a preliminary death investigation, waiting on approval of a search warrant.”
Gene Hackman and Betsy Arakawa had been married for 34 years (Jeffrey Mayer/WireImage)
The police department do not believe foul play is a factor in their deaths, but an investigation is currently ongoing.
A cause and time of death is yet to be reported.
Hackman’s last public appearance
Hackman and Arakawa were last spotted in public on March 28, 2024 for a dinner date at Pappadeaux’s Seafood Kitchen in Santa Fe.
The actor, remembered for his roles Superman, Unforgiven and French Connection, was pictured walking with a cane and holding onto his wife.
The star underwent surgery for angina
The actor starred in The French Connection (Bettmann/Getty Images)
After a hugely successful career spanning six decades, Hackman retired from the industry in 2004 at the age of 74.
His final roles were in Runaway Jury and Welcome to Mooseport.
Hackman later revealed issues with his health encouraged him to pursue a slower pace of life.
“The straw that broke the camel’s back was actually a stress test that I took in New York,” he told Empire in a 2009 interview.
“The doctor advised me that my heart wasn’t in the kind of shape that I should be putting it under any stress.”
Hackman had previously undergone angioplasty surgery, which is where a balloon is inserted to widen blocked arteries.
Hackman wanted to be remembered as ‘a decent actor’
Hackman in 1973 (Evening Standard/Getty Images)
In a 2011 interview with GQ, Hackman, then 81, revealed how he wanted to be remembered.
“As a decent actor,” he began. “As someone who tried to portray what was given to them in an honest fashion.”
Hackman continued: “I don’t know, beyond that. I don’t think about that often, to be honest. I’m at an age where I should think about it.”
Hackman was married once before
Hackman was previously married to Faye Maltese and the couple shared three children together: son Christopher Allen and daughters Leslie Anne and Elizabeth Jean.
They were wed for 30 years before divorcing in 1986.
Hackman and ex-wife Faye Maltese (Ron Galella/Ron Galella Collection via Getty Images)
Hackman had been candid about his strained relationship with his kids, telling The Irish Independent in 2000: “I couldn’t always be home with them when they were growing up and then, living in California, they’ve had my success always hanging over their heads.”
In his GQ interview, he shed further light on their dynamic.
When asked what advice he would give son Christopher, Hackman responded: “I lost touch with my son in terms of advice early on. Maybe it had to do with being gone so much, doing location films when he was at an age where he needed support and guidance.
“It was very tough for me to be gone for three months and then come home and start bossing him around.”
Arakawa and Hackman’s marriage
Hackman and Arakawa had a 32-year age gap (Richard Corkery/NY Daily News Archive via Getty Images)
Hackman and Arakawa began dating in the mid-80s after meeting at the gym where she worked part-time. They had a 32-year age gap.
But the actor was sure to clear up any misconceptions to the South Florida Sun-Sentinel about their relationship overlapping with his marriage to first wife
Unlike his character Harry Mackenzie in 1985’s Twice in a Lifetime, Hackman explained: “By the way, I did not leave my real-life wife for a younger woman.
“We just drifted apart. We lost sight of each other.
“When you work in this business, marriage takes a great deal of work and love.”
Police have confirmed that Hollywood veteran actor Gene Hackman has been found dead in his Santa Fe home.
Santa Fe County Sheriff Adan Mendoza confirmed that Hackman and his wife Betsy Arakawa, a classical pianist, were both found dead at their home. However he did not give information regarding the cause of death.
He said that, at this point, foul play is not suspected and that the dog was found deceased alongside the pair.
Mendoza also did not comment on when the couple might have died when he was asked by reporters.
In a statement he said: “All I can say is that we’re in the middle of a preliminary death investigation, waiting on approval of a search warrant.”
Gene Hackman and his wife Betsy Arakawa in 1994 (Ron Galella, Ltd./Ron Galella Collection via Getty Images)
Hackman was known as a legend in Hollywood, most fondly remembered for his role as Lex Luthor in the Superman movie as well as Little Bill Daggett in the Unforgiven and Jimmy Doyle in the French Connection.
The actor was known as being a private individual as well and announced in 2004 that he was retiring from acting. He then proceeded to leave Los Angeles and moved to New Mexico.
At the time he told the press: “I haven’t held a press conference to announce retirement, but yes, I’m not going to act any longer. I really don’t want to do it any longer.”
Hackman concluded his acting career with over 100 acting roles, however rumors circulated that this decision to retire was tied to stress.
Hackman and Betsy started dating in the mid 80s and got married in 1991, but clarified that he did not abandon his first wife Faye Maltese for her.
He said: “By the way, I did not leave my real-life wife for a younger woman. We just drifted apart. We lost sight of each other. When you work in this business, marriage takes a great deal of work and love.”
Police have said no foul play is suspected at this point (Donaldson Collection/Michael Ochs Archives/Getty Images)
While details are scarce about Hackman and Betsy Arakawa fans have begun tributing the actor and his wife on social media.
One user on Twitter wrote: “RIP Gene Hackman and his wife Betsy Arakawa found dead, marking the end of an era in cinema.”
Another said: “Honoring the memory of Gene Hackman and his wife Betsy Arakawa. Their impact on cinema and music will not be forgotten.”
A third added: “That is awful news. Truly one of the best actors Hollywood ever gave us.”
With another commenting: “What a legend left behind a legacy of one of the best movies of our times.”
Gossip Girl star Michelle Trachtenberg has passed away at the age of 39, reports state.
The actor was found having passed away earlier today at around 8:00am at One Columbus Place, police sources told The New York Post and ABC News.
The sources said her death is not being investigated as suspicious and it’s currently believed the 39-year-old died of natural causes.
Michelle Trachtenberg has passed away at the age of 39 (Getty Images/ Leon Bennett/WireImage)
An autopsy is expected to take place to determine the cause and manner of Trachtenberg’s passing.
LADbible Group has contacted NYPD and Michelle Trachtenberg’s representatives for comment.
Trachtenberg had her acting debut at the young age of three, appearing in Nickelodeon television series Adventures of Pete and Pete which aired from 1994 to 1996.
She appeared in several Nickelodeon productions before going on to star in 2004 release Eurotrip and later rose to fame for her roles in Gossip Girl and Buffy the Vampire Slayer.
In the CW TV show Trachtenberg portrayed the role of Georgina Sparks and in the supernatural drama she took on the role of the titular character’s younger sister, Summer.
The role in the latter saw her nominated for three Saturn Awards and win a Young Artist Award.
Trachtenberg also voiceed the character of Judy Reilly in American adult animated comedy series Human Kind Of that premiered on Facebook Watch and starred in movies such as 2005’s Ice Princess and appeared in 17 Again (2009) alongside Zac Efron.
And fans of the star have flooded to social media to pay tribute and commemorate her.
Michelle Trachtenberg starred in Gossip Girl (The CW)
One Twitter user said: “RIP Georgina. What a legendary role.”
“39? That’s crazy. Such a beautiful and talented actress,” another added.
An Instagram user commented on Trachtenberg’s last Instagram post shared one week ago of her at a red carpet event.
The user wrote: “Rest in peace Michelle you crafted so many characters that many of us were connected to. You captivated us with unique stories. Thank you for sharing your life & talent with us. You’ll be missed big hugs to your family & friends. Although we’ll all miss you, we know their lives will be forever changed we’re so sorry for their loss and sending extra love to them at this time.”
And another resolved: “She was so young!!! Rest in peace we loved your movies growing up Ice Princess, 17 Again, Harriet The Spy.”
Her Gossip Girl co-star Ed Westwick has also reacted to the news. Writing on his story, the British actor said: “So sad to hear of the passing of @michelletrachtenberg sending prayers,” accompanied with a prayer emoji and a white heart.
If you have experienced a bereavement and would like to speak with someone in confidence, contact GrieveWell on (734) 975-0238, or email info@grievewell.com.
Michelle Trachtenberg’s Buffy the Vampire Slayer co-stars have shared tributes mourning the death of their ‘little sister’.
Trachtenberg was tragically found dead at the age of 39 by emergency services at One Columbus Place, New York, at around 8am on Wednesday (February 26), the NYPD has confirmed.
Police said her death is not being treated as suspicious and an autopsy will determine her cause of death.
In a statement, Trachtenberg’s representatives said: “It is with great sadness to confirm that Michelle Trachtenberg has passed away. The family requests privacy for their loss.”
Tributes have since been flooding in for the TV star, who joined the fifth season of the supernatural drama as Dawn Summers, Buffy’s younger sister.
Emma Caulfield shared this snap of her former co-star (Instagram/@emmacaulfieldofficial)
Emma Caulfield, who starred as Anya Jenkins, said the cast had ‘lost a little sister’ in a post on Instagram.
Caulfield wrote: “I’m so sorry your bright light died so young. Our Buffy family lost a little sister today.
“Rest in peace lovely Mish Mish. You were loved.”
Actress Alyson Hannigan, who played Willow Rosenberg in the show, also shared some nostalgic snaps of Trachtenberg including pics from when they shared scenes together.
Hannigan said: “I am deeply saddened by the news of Michelle’s passing.
“She brought a loving energy to the set of Buffy. My thoughts are with Michelle’s family and friends.”
Meanwhile, James Marsters, who played the British vampire Spike, shared a selfie of the pair and described his co-star as a ‘beautiful soul’.
“My heart is heavy today,” he wrote. “We have lost a beautiful soul.
“Michelle was fiercely intelligent, howlingly funny, and a very talented person. She died much too young and leaves behind scores of people who knew and loved her.
“My heart goes out to her family who are good people and are suffering the greatest loss anyone could bear.
“I hope everyone can give them space to heal in this most difficult time. Godspeed Michelle. You are missed.”
James Marsters shared this selfie with Trachtenberg (Instagram/@realjamesmarsters)
Other famous celebs who worked with Trachtenberg have also penned heartbreaking tributes, including her Gossip Girl co-star, Blake Lively, who described her old friend as ‘kind’ and ‘electric’ who ‘laughed the fullest’.
Ed Westwick, who played Chuck Bass on the hit American teen drama, added he was ‘sending prayers’ after learning of her death.
Sex and the City star, Kim Cattrall, who shared a photo of the two from the film Ice Princess, wrote: “Rest in peace sweet Michelle.”
US comedian, Rosie O’Donnell, who starred in the 1996 movie Harriet the Spy with Trachtenberg, said her death was ‘heartbreaking’.
“I loved her very much,” O’Donnell said in a statement to People. “She struggled the last few years. I wish I could have helped.”
The tragic news comes as Buffy actress Sarah Michelle Gellar, 47, teased on social media that she is ‘on the path’ to reviving the show with a team of ‘four unbelievably talented women’.
Sarah Michelle Gellar and Trachtenberg in 2008 (Jean-Paul Aussenard/WireImage)
Trachtenberg rose to fame from the young age of three, appearing in Nickelodeon television series Adventures of Pete and Pete which aired from 1994 to 1996, followed by the 2004 movie, Eurotrip.
She hit global success for her roles as Georgina Sparks in Gossip Girl and as Dawn Summers in Buffy the Vampire Slayer, the latter of which saw her nominated for three Saturn Awards and bag a Young Artist Award.
Trachtenberg also voiced the character of Judy Reilly in American adult animated comedy series Human Kind Of which premiered on Facebook Watch and starred in movies such as 2005’s Ice Princess and appeared in 17 Again (2009) alongside Zac Efron.
Blake Lively has issued a heartbreaking tribute to her former Gossip Girl co-star Michelle Trachtenberg.
Lively has paid homage to Trachtenberg after the 39-year-old actress was found dead at One Columbus Place, New York, at around 8am yesterday, (February 26).
Police have confirmed they are not investigating the TV star’s death as suspicious and a medical examiner will determine the cause of death.
Trachtenberg’s representatives said: “It is with great sadness to confirm that Michelle Trachtenberg has passed away. The family requests privacy for their loss.”
Blake Lively and Michelle Trachtenberg in 2009 (Kevin Mazur/WireImage)
Now taking to Instagram, Lively has reflected on her old friend’s ‘kind’ and ‘electric’ spirit.
Sharing a snap of the pair from the day they met almost two decades ago on the set of the hit drama, she wrote: “This is the first day I met Michelle. She was electricity. You knew when she entered a room because the vibration changed. Everything she did, she did 200 percent.”
The mom-of-four continued: “She laughed the fullest at someone’s joke, she faced authority head on when she felt something was wrong, she cared deeply about her work, she was proud to be a part of this community and industry as painful as it could be sometimes, she was fiercely loyal to her friends and brave for those she loved, she was big and bold and distinctly herself.”
Lively’s tribute on Instagram for her friend (Instagram/@blakelively)
Lively said the Buffy the Vampire Slayer star ‘always’ donned ‘yummy caramel smelling lipgloss’, not only to ‘sparkle on camera’ but because ‘she liked creating a nice experience for anyone who was in her orbit, even down to the subtle smell of her lipgloss because she cared about the sweet details’.
“She was a kind person, through and through,” she added.
Touching on the sudden and tragic loss of Trachtenberg, Lively encouraged her 44 million followers to ‘hold those you love’.
“Time passes,” Lively continued. “You take for granted that you get the chance to see an old friend. To paraphrase, the real tragedies in life are the ones that blindside you on an idle Tuesday.”
“The world lost a deeply sensitive and good person in Michelle. May her work and her huge heart be remembered by those who were lucky enough to experience her fire,” her moving post concluded.
The actor has died at the age of 39 (MICHAEL TRAN/AFP via Getty Images)
Another Gossip Girl co-star, Ed Westwick, also reacted to the tragic news, writing on his Story: “So sad to hear of the passing of @michelletrachtenberg sending prayers,” accompanied with a prayer emoji and a white heart.
Trachtenberg sparked her acting debut at the young age of three, appearing in Nickelodeon television series Adventures of Pete and Pete which aired from 1994 to 1996.
