Gene Hackman : AP/SanTA FE, N.M. A week after his wife died of a rare rodent-borne disease in their Santa Fe home, forensic investigators concluded Friday that actor Gene Hackman, 95, died of heart disease and Alzheimer’s complications on an empty stomach. Security and maintenance personnel discovered the partially mummified bodies of Hackman and his wife, Betsy Arakawa, 65, on February 26.
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- Who is Gene Hackman?
- Contribution to hollywood
Authorities believe Arakawa likely died at home on February 11 from hantavirus pulmonary syndrome, a rare but potentially fatal disease spread by contaminated mouse droppings. It seems that Hackman, who had severe Alzheimer’s, was not aware that his wife had passed away. His health was in really bad shape. He had serious cardiac problems, and I believe that’s what killed him in the end,” said Dr. Heather Jarrell, principal medical investigator. “It’s possible that he didn’t know she was dead.”
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Who is Gene Hackman?
Actor Eugene Allen Hackman was from the United States. Hackman’s acting career lasted more than 40 years, and he is regarded as one of the best performers of his period and a model of the New Hollywood movement. Among his many honors were four Golden Globes, two Academy Awards, and two British Academy Film Awards.
The Santa Fe County Sheriff’s Office held a news conference today to announce the causes of death for 95-year-old Gene Hackman and 65-year-old Betsy Arakawa. Arakawa passed away from hantavirus pulmonary syndrome, a serious lung condition brought on by viruses that people get by coming into touch with infected rodents, according to Dr. Heather Jerrell, New Mexico’s Chief Medical Examiner.
Contribution to hollywood
Gene Hackman has starred in films like The French Connection, Bonnie and Clyde, Superman, and Hoosiers, leaving a mark on Hollywood. In 1961, Hackman starred in his debut motion picture, Mad Dog Coll. In 1967, he was nominated for his first Oscar for his performance in Bonnie and Clyde. His breakout part was in The French Connection. Hackman’s role in the Superman films was that of Lex Luthor. In classics like The French Connection, Superman, and Unforgiven, Hackman brought rogue charm and realism to his roles, from Oscar-winning Popeye Doyle to a jubilant Lex Luthor and a despised sheriff.
In Hoosiers, he portrayed the renowned coach. His roles contributed to Hackman’s rise to fame in Hollywood. According to some, Hackman was a consistently good actor in the movie business from 1964 to 2004. While visiting his doctor in New York for a normal examination, Hackman had a health scare. On his doctor’s advice, Hackman avoided stress on his heart, which wasn’t in top condition. He abruptly left Hollywood after a successful career spanning Bonnie and Clyde, Superman, Mississippi Burning, and The French Connection. In 2004, he retired from acting and chose a quiet life in New Mexico with his second wife, Betsy.
