Editing Gene Hackman (section)

==Death==
In the final months of his life, Hackman's neighbors in [[Santa Fe, New Mexico]], noticed that his health appeared to be declining, and he and Arakawa ceased communicating with family and friends.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Dolak |first=Kevin |date=March 3, 2025 |title=Contradictory Accounts of Gene Hackman's Health in His Final Months Emerge |url=https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/news/general-news/gene-hackman-final-months-details-friends-family-1236153723/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250303224258/https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/news/general-news/gene-hackman-final-months-details-friends-family-1236153723/ |archive-date=March 3, 2025 |access-date=March 3, 2025 |website=[[The Hollywood Reporter]] |language=en-US}}</ref> Arakawa – who was Hackman's sole caregiver – was last seen alive at a [[CVS Pharmacy]] on February 11, 2025, and returned to their [[gated community]] at 5:15&nbsp;p.m.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Jervis |first=Rick |title=A mask, a cane and a frantic dog: Inside the final hours of Gene Hackman and Betsy Arakawa |url=https://www.usatoday.com/story/entertainment/celebrities/2025/03/09/gene-hackman-betsy-arakawa-final-hours-hantavirus/82058693007/?utm_source=firefox-newtab-en-us |access-date=2025-03-14 |website=USA TODAY |language=en-US}}</ref> On February 12, Arakawa called a local private physician and made an appointment for that afternoon, complaining of respiratory issues, but did not show up.<ref>{{Cite web |last1=Moots |first1=Sumiko |last2=Romero |first2=Dennis |date=2025-03-17 |title=Calls to medical clinic show Betsy Arakawa, Gene Hackman's wife, was alive longer than previously believed |url=https://www.nbcnews.com/news/us-news/calls-medical-clinic-betsy-arakawa-gene-hackman-alive-longer-rcna196820 |access-date=2025-03-17 |website=[[NBC News]] |language=en-US}}</ref> Arakawa died in their home a short time later from [[hantavirus pulmonary syndrome]]. Hackman did not seek help; authorities believe he was unable to comprehend her death due to [[Alzheimer's disease]].<ref name="Stahl" /> Hackman died in the home around February 18, at which point his [[pacemaker]] recorded an [[Abnormal heart rhythm|abnormal rhythm]]. He died from severe [[heart disease]], complicated by advanced Alzheimer's disease and [[kidney disease]].<ref>{{Cite web |date=March 7, 2025 |title=Gene Hackman died of heart disease, his wife died of hantavirus about 1 week prior, authorities say |url=https://www.wyff4.com/article/gene-hackman-betsy-arakawa-deaths-investigation/64086305 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250307224552/https://www.wyff4.com/article/gene-hackman-betsy-arakawa-deaths-investigation/64086305 |archive-date=March 7, 2025 |access-date=March 7, 2025 |website=WYFF |language=en}}</ref> Hackman was 95.

On February 26, the bodies of Hackman, Arakawa, and one of their dogs, named Zinna,<ref>{{Cite web |title=Betsy Hackman's Mom Wants Images of Daughter and Gene's Bodies to Remain Private: 'Respect My Right to Grieve in Peace' |url=https://people.com/gene-hackman-mother-in-law-asks-court-to-block-release-of-footage-of-bodies-11706371 |access-date=2025-04-14 |website=People.com |language=en}}</ref> were found.<ref name="Jacobs2">{{cite news |last1=Jacobs |first1=Julia |last2=Watkins |first2=Ali |date=February 27, 2025 |title=Scattered Pills Found Near Body of Hackman's Wife As Inquiry Continues |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2025/02/27/us/gene-hackman-wife-dead-new-mexico.html |archive-url=https://archive.today/20250228083059/https://www.nytimes.com/2025/02/27/us/gene-hackman-wife-dead-new-mexico.html |archive-date=February 28, 2025 |access-date=February 27, 2025 |work=[[The New York Times]]}}</ref> The other two of the couple's dogs were found alive in the home.<ref>{{Cite web |date=March 5, 2025 |title=Gene Hackman cops admit huge crime scene blunder as mystery surrounding actor's death deepens |url=https://www.skynews.com.au/lifestyle/celebrity-life/gene-hackman-cops-admit-huge-crime-scene-blunder-as-mystery-surrounding-actors-death-deepens/news-story/b1c62369c3700f77450bb975ee35276d?amp}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=March 5, 2025 |title=Gene Hackman's dog was misidentified as other mysteries swirl around actor's death |url=https://apnews.com/article/gene-hackman-died-dogs-santa-fe-22d7f6921577f012c87027de8652795d |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250305230652/https://apnews.com/article/gene-hackman-died-dogs-santa-fe-22d7f6921577f012c87027de8652795d |archive-date=March 5, 2025 |access-date=March 6, 2025 |website=AP News |language=en}}</ref> The discovery was made after maintenance workers, concerned that the couple had not answered the door, called security for help. Security personnel saw the bodies through a window and alerted authorities.<ref name="Jacobs2" /> Although foul play was not suspected, the deaths were deemed suspicious enough to warrant an investigation.<ref>{{cite web |last=Glynn |first=Paul |date=February 27, 2025 |title=Death of Hackman and wife 'suspicious enough' for investigation, police say |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/cewkkkvkzn9o |url-status=live |archive-url=https://archive.today/20250227225826/https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/cewkkkvkzn9o |archive-date=February 27, 2025 |website=[[BBC News]]}}</ref><ref name="Montoya Bryan2">{{Cite web |last1=Montoya Bryan |first1=Susan |last2=Melley |first2=Brian |date=February 27, 2025 |title=Oscar-winner Gene Hackman, wife Betsy Arakawa and their dog were dead for some time, warrant shows |url=https://apnews.com/article/gene-hackman-found-dead-f6c106e92987aeaaab7b35c1b956a5c8 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250227114752/https://apnews.com/article/gene-hackman-found-dead-f6c106e92987aeaaab7b35c1b956a5c8 |archive-date=February 27, 2025 |access-date=February 27, 2025 |work=[[Associated Press]] |language=en}}</ref> [[Carbon monoxide poisoning]] was ruled out on February 28.<ref>{{cite web |last1=Haworth |first1=Jon |last2=El-Bawab |first2=Nadine |last3=Deliso |first3=Meredith |date=February 28, 2025 |title=Gene Hackman and his wife test negative for carbon monoxide after mysteriously found dead |url=https://abcnews.go.com/US/authorities-searching-answers-after-gene-hackman-wife-mysteriously/story?id=119283154 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250228224451/https://abcnews.go.com/US/authorities-searching-answers-after-gene-hackman-wife-mysteriously/story?id=119283154 |archive-date=February 28, 2025 |website=[[ABC News (United States)|ABC News]]}}</ref> The causes of death were announced at a press conference on March 7.<ref name="Stahl"/><ref>{{Cite web |last=Jackson |first=Patrick |date=March 7, 2025 |title=Hackman and wife died of natural causes several days apart, officials say |url=https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/cqlyy1rld0ko |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250309181300/https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/cqlyy1rld0ko |archive-date=March 9, 2025 |access-date=March 7, 2025 |website=[[BBC News]] |language=en-GB}}</ref>

Gene Hackman's [[Estate (law)|estate]] requested the courts block images and videos related to the investigation, such as [[police body camera]] footage.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2025-03-14 |title=Gene Hackman's estate asks court to block the release of police images and videos |url=https://www.nbcnews.com/news/us-news/gene-hackmans-estate-asks-court-block-release-police-images-videos-rcna196391?utm_source=firefox-newtab-en-us |access-date=2025-03-14 |website=NBC News |language=en}}</ref> Hackman's will, created in 1995, listed Arakawa as his sole inheritor; Arakawa's will stated that if they were to die within 90 days of each other, the proceeds would go to charity.<ref name="Granville25">{{cite news |last1=Granville |first1=Samantha |title=Hackman's children not named in actor's $80m will |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/c7985ld2lrro |access-date=18 March 2025 |work=[[BBC News]] |date=15 March 2025 |location=Los Angeles}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=2025-03-14 |title=Gene Hackman's will leaves his full $80M fortune to late wife and doesn't mention his 3 children |url=https://www.chicagotribune.com/2025/03/14/gene-hackman-will/ |access-date=2025-03-15 |website=Chicago Tribune |language=en-US |url-access=limited}} Note: {{as of|2025|March|lc=y|post=,}} access to this source is [[geo-blocking|location-restricted]].</ref>

===Tributes and legacy===
Numerous members of the film industry paid tribute to Hackman following his death. [[Clint Eastwood]], who directed Hackman in the films ''[[Unforgiven]]'' (1992) and ''[[Absolute Power (film)|Absolute Power]]'' (1997), wrote in a statement: "There was no finer actor than Gene. Intense and instinctive. Never a false note. He was also a dear friend whom I will miss very much." [[Francis Ford Coppola]], who directed him in ''[[The Conversation]]'' (1974), wrote: "Gene Hackman [was] a great actor, inspiring and magnificent in his work and complexity. I mourn his loss, and celebrate his existence and contribution."<ref>{{cite news |last=Morrow |first=Brendan |date=February 27, 2025 |title=Viola Davis, Tom Hanks, Clint Eastwood and more pay tribute to Gene Hackman |url=https://www.usatoday.com/story/entertainment/celebrities/2025/02/27/gene-hackman-dead-tributes-reaction/80676103007/ |access-date=February 27, 2025 |newspaper=[[USA Today]] |archive-date=February 27, 2025 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250227135931/https://www.usatoday.com/story/entertainment/celebrities/2025/02/27/gene-hackman-dead-tributes-reaction/80676103007/ |url-status=live}}</ref> [[Prince William]] released a statement, saying "Hackman was a true genius of film who brought each and every character to life with power, authenticity and star quality."<ref>{{Cite web |date=2025-02-28 |title=Prince William's tribute to Gene Hackman |url=https://www.smh.com.au/lifestyle/prince-williams-tribute-to-gene-hackman-20250228-p5lfuj.html |url-access=registration |access-date=2025-03-09 |website=[[The Sydney Morning Herald]] |language=en}}</ref>

[[Morgan Freeman]] paid tribute to Hackman at the [[97th Academy Awards]], saying, "Like everyone who ever shared a scene with him, I learned he was a generous performer whose gifts elevated everyone's work" and that he would be "remembered [as someone who did good work] and so much more."<ref>{{cite web |last=Moorman |first=Taijuan |last2=Alexander |first2=Bryan |date=March 2, 2025 |title=Morgan Freeman tribute to Gene Hackman at Oscars honors Academy Award-winning actor after death |url=https://www.usatoday.com/story/entertainment/movies/2025/03/02/gene-hackman-death-oscars-tribute-morgan-freeman-in-memoriam/80707111007/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250303031908/https://www.usatoday.com/story/entertainment/movies/2025/03/02/gene-hackman-death-oscars-tribute-morgan-freeman-in-memoriam/80707111007/ |archive-date=March 3, 2025 |accessdate=March 8, 2025 |website=[[USA Today]]}}</ref> Others who paid tribute include [[Dustin Hoffman]], [[Glenn Close]], [[Tom Hanks]], [[Viola Davis]], [[Bill Murray]], [[Mel Brooks]], [[Alec Baldwin]], [[Gwyneth Paltrow]], [[Barbra Streisand]], [[Nathan Lane]], [[Josh Brolin]], [[John Cusack]], [[Ben Stiller]], [[Antonio Banderas]], [[Hank Azaria]], [[George Takei]], and [[Jennifer Love Hewitt]].<ref>Multiple sources:
* {{cite magazine |last=Patton |first=Tess |date=February 27, 2025 |title=Bill Murray Lovingly Remembers Gene Hackman as 'A Little Irritable' but 'Great' While Filming 'The Royal Tenenbaums' |url=https://www.thewrap.com/bill-murray-remembers-gene-hackman-drew-barrymore-show/ |access-date=February 27, 2025 |magazine=[[TheWrap]]}}
* {{cite web |last=Garner |first=Glenn |date=February 27, 2025 |title=Dustin Hoffman Compares "Genius" Gene Hackman To Marlon Brando: "A Giant Among Actors" |url=https://deadline.com/2025/02/dustin-hoffman-compares-genius-gene-hackman-marlon-brando-1236304979/ |access-date=February 27, 2025 |website=[[Deadline Hollywood]] |archive-date=February 28, 2025 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250228042906/https://deadline.com/2025/02/dustin-hoffman-compares-genius-gene-hackman-marlon-brando-1236304979/ |url-status=live}}
* {{cite magazine |last=Russell |first=Shania |date=February 28, 2025 |title=Morgan Freeman, Nathan Lane, Gwyneth Paltrow, and more remember Gene Hackman: 'One of the all time greatest' |url=https://ew.com/morgan-freeman-gwyneth-paltrow-and-more-pay-tribute-to-gene-hackman-11687739 |access-date=February 27, 2025 |magazine=[[Entertainment Weekly]] |archive-date=February 27, 2025 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250227224847/https://ew.com/morgan-freeman-gwyneth-paltrow-and-more-pay-tribute-to-gene-hackman-11687739 |url-status=live}}
* {{cite magazine |last=Andersson |first=Eric |date=February 27, 2025 |title=Nathan Lane, Viola Davis and More Stars React to Gene Hackman's Death: 'He Was One of Our Greatest' |url=https://people.com/nathan-lane-viola-davis-stars-react-gene-hackman-death-11687487 |access-date=February 27, 2025 |magazine=[[People (magazine)|People]]}}
* {{cite magazine |last=Shafer |first=Ellise |date=February 27, 2025 |title=Francis Ford Coppola, Clint Eastwood and Nathan Lane Lead Tributes to Gene Hackman After Oscar Winner Found Dead Alongside Wife: 'Inspiring and Magnificent in His Work and Complexity' |url=https://variety.com/2025/film/news/gene-hackman-death-reactions-francis-ford-coppola-1236322137/ |access-date=February 27, 2025 |magazine=Variety |archive-date=February 27, 2025 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250227133949/https://variety.com/2025/film/news/gene-hackman-death-reactions-francis-ford-coppola-1236322137/ |url-status=live}}
* {{cite news |last=Yu |first=Yi-Jin |date=February 27, 2025 |title=Stars share tributes to actor Gene Hackman after his death at 95 |url=https://abcnews.go.com/GMA/Culture/stars-share-tributes-actor-gene-hackman-after-death/story?id=119245597 |access-date=February 27, 2025 |agency=ABC News |archive-date=February 27, 2025 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250227163851/https://abcnews.go.com/GMA/Culture/stars-share-tributes-actor-gene-hackman-after-death/story?id=119245597 |url-status=live}}
* {{cite news |date=February 27, 2025 |last1=Santaflorentina |first1=Hayley |title=Jennifer Love Hewitt Honors Heartbreakers Costar Gene Hackman After His Death |url=https://www.eonline.com/news/1414052/jennifer-love-hewitt-honors-heartbreakers-costar-gene-hackman-after-his-death |access-date=March 2, 2025 |agency=E!}}</ref> ''[[The Guardian]]'' film critic [[Peter Bradshaw]] wrote that Hackman's death marked the end of [[New Hollywood|American new wave]] cinema. He described Hackman as "really a star; in fact the star of every scene he was in – that tough, wised-up, intelligent, but unhandsome face perpetually on the verge of coolly unconcerned derision, or creased in a heartbreakingly fatherly, pained smile."<ref>{{Cite news |last=Bradshaw |first=Peter |date=2025-02-27 |title=Gene Hackman: the star of every scene he was in |url=https://www.theguardian.com/film/2025/feb/27/gene-hackman-the-star-of-every-scene-he-was-in |access-date=2025-03-16}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |last=Glynn |first=Paul |date=February 27, 2025 |title=Gene Hackman: Daughters and Clint Eastwood lead tributes to star |url=https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/c4g776e670vo |access-date=March 2, 2025 |publisher=[[BBC News]] |archive-date=February 28, 2025 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250228232859/https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/c4g776e670vo |url-status=live}}</ref>