Gene Hackman's cause of death - everything we know as actor and wife found dead at home

Iconic Hollywood actor Gene Hackman, who's portrayal of the villain Lex Luther in the Superman movies saw him shoot to fame, has died alongside his wife Betsy Arakawa

Iconic actor Gene Hackman and his wife Betsy Arakawa have been found dead in their New Mexico home.

Gene, 95, and his wife Betsy, 63, were found in their home alongside their dog just after midnight on Thursday, the Santa Fe County Sheriff said. It's understood there is no indication of foul play.

An active investigation into the couple's deaths is ongoing. The cause of the deaths of the couple is not yet known. The police department said: “We can confirm that both Gene Hackman and his wife were found deceased Wednesday afternoon at their residence on Sunset Trail.

“This is an active investigation – however, at this time we do not believe that foul play was a factor.”

Actor Gene, who was last seen looking frail in a rare outing in March last year, had a series of huge Hollywood roles throughout his acting career but retired from acting in 2004.

Gene was born in 1930 and enlisted in the army at the age of 16 after lying about his age. The actor was best known for his role as the villainous Lex Luther and he received two Oscar awards and two BAFTAs throughout his acting career.

He scooped the best actor Oscar in 1972 for or his role as Detective Jimmy “Popeye” Doyle in The French Connection. Gene also won an Oscar in the best supporting actor category for his part in 1992 Western Unforgiven, directed by Clint Eastwood.