Sir Tom Jones, 84, issues poignant 11-word statement to Gene Hackman after his death at 95
Sir Tom Jones, 84, has shared a heartfelt tribute on his social media after learning of the death of Hollywood actor Gene Hackman.
The Oscar-winning actor and his wife Betsy Arakawa were discovered deceased on Wednesday afternoon at their Santa Fe residence.
Hackman’s family believe carbon monoxide poisoning may have caused the death of the 95-year-old Hollywood legend and his wife, who were found dead at their New Mexico home.
The actor’s daughter, Elizabeth Jean Hackman, has now spoken out about what might have led to the tragic deaths.
Elizabeth told TMZ the family suspects “the cause might be from toxic fumes” and acknowledged that family members remained “unsure” about the exact circumstances surrounding the deaths.
TMZ also reported that gas company and fire department personnel responded to the scene.
Santa Fe County Sheriff Adan Mendoza confirmed to local media that authorities are conducting “a preliminary death investigation”.
“We can confirm that both Gene Hackman and his wife were found deceased Wednesday afternoon at their residence on Sunset Trail,” the Sheriff’s office said in a statement.
“This is an active investigation – however, at this time, we do not believe that foul play was a factor.”
Jones took to his Instagram account hours after learning of Hackman’s death and shared an image of the pair from their earlier career days.
The caption read: “True cinema royalty, a GIANT of American film, RIP Gene and Betsy.”
Other stars who had known and worked with Hackman were also left devastated by the news, as Antonio Banderas penned on X: “A very sad day for the cinema’s family.
“Gene Hackman and his wife Betsy Arakawa have passed away. My deepest condolences to friends, family and cinema lovers. RIP.”
George Takei added: “We have lost one of the true giants of the screen. Gene Hackman could play anyone, and you could feel a whole life behind it.
“He could be everyone and no one, a towering presence or an everyday Joe. That’s how powerful an actor he was. He will be missed, but his work will live on.”
William Shatner said: “Condolences to the Family of Gene Hackman.”
Jeremy Renner noted: “RIP Gene Hackman. Legend.” (sic)
He won two Academy Awards – best actor for his role as Jimmy “Popeye” Doyle in 1971’s The French Connection, and best supporting actor for 1992’s Unforgiven.
The actor received further Oscar nominations for Bonnie and Clyde (1967), I Never Sang for My Father (1970), and Mississippi Burning (1988).
His other notable roles included playing villain Lex Luthor in the Superman films and appearing in The Royal Tenenbaums.
Hackman’s final film role came in Welcome to Mooseport in 2004.
The couple had been married since 1991, with Hackman aged 95 and Arakawa 63 at the time of their deaths.