Gary Sinise Expresses Shock and Raises Questions After Gene Hackman’s Passing
Gary Sinise, the celebrated actor known for his roles in films like "Forrest Gump" and "Apollo 13," has shared his shock and sadness following the news of Gene Hackman’s death. Hackman, a legendary figure in Hollywood with two Academy Awards to his name, passed away at his home in Santa Fe County, New Mexico, alongside his wife, Betsy Arakawa, and their dog. The circumstances surrounding their deaths have prompted an investigation by the Santa Fe County Sheriff’s Office.
According to a statement released by the Sheriff’s Office to Fox News Digital, deputies were dispatched to Hackman’s residence on Old Sunset Trail in Hyde Park on February 26, 2025, at approximately 1:45 p.m. Upon arrival, they discovered the bodies of the 95-year-old actor, his 64-year-old wife, and their canine companion.
Sinise, who shared the screen with Hackman in the 1995 western "The Quick and the Dead," expressed his disbelief and concern upon hearing the news. Speaking to Fox News Digital, Sinise revealed that he learned of Hackman’s passing early Thursday morning and was immediately struck by the unusual nature of the situation.
"He’s 95 years old, but his wife was in her 60s. So, like, what’s going on there? You know, did something happen and was he not doing well?" Sinise questioned, highlighting the age disparity between Hackman and his wife and suggesting potential health concerns as a factor.
Adding to the intrigue, Sinise noted the passing of the couple’s dog, further fueling his suspicions. "It just seems very odd that also, their dog is gone. You know, like, what did they do… what happened?" he wondered, implying the possibility of foul play or some other unexplained event.
The Santa Fe County Sheriff’s Department has characterized the deaths as "suspicious," further intensifying the mystery surrounding the case. Reports indicate that the bodies of Hackman and Arakawa showed signs of "mummification," a condition that occurs when a body is exposed to dry air, high temperatures, or low humidity, leading to dehydration and preservation of the tissues.
While autopsies have been completed on both Hackman and Arakawa, the Sheriff’s Department has stated that no external trauma was evident on either body. However, authorities are awaiting the results of toxicology reports to determine the official cause of death. The investigation remains ongoing as law enforcement officials work to piece together the events leading up to the couple’s passing.
Sinise acknowledged that he had not maintained close contact with Hackman after his retirement from acting, but he was aware of the actor’s decision to embrace a peaceful life away from the spotlight. "I know once he retired to New Mexico, he was retired. He did not want to come back and get any awards or, you know, go to any Hollywood events or anything like that. He was done and he was moving on from that part of his life," Sinise explained.
He added that Hackman had found fulfillment in painting and other personal pursuits, enjoying the tranquility of his adopted home state. "I think he was painting. He was doing a lot of that and living a quiet life in New Mexico," Sinise said.
Beyond expressing his shock and raising questions, Sinise also paid tribute to Hackman’s immense talent and the profound impact he had on his own career. He described Hackman as one of his role models, praising his acting style, persona, and unwavering commitment to excellence.
"I just loved his approach. I loved his persona. I loved everything about him. And as time would go on, it was just like Gene never, ever failed. He could be in a movie that might be less successful than the one previous or whatever. But Gene Hackman was always outstanding," Sinise lauded.
He emphasized Hackman’s dedication to his craft, noting that he never delivered a subpar performance. "I mean, he just never phoned it in. He was just a really fine actor to model after. I just wanted to be like Gene Hackman, you know, not that I ever turned out to be like Gene Hackman, but I had something to aspire to back then, and he was among my very favorites," Sinise confessed.
Sinise’s reflections on Hackman’s life and career provide a glimpse into the impact the legendary actor had on his peers and the industry as a whole. While the circumstances surrounding his death remain shrouded in mystery, Hackman’s legacy as one of Hollywood’s finest actors is secure.
In addition to discussing Hackman’s passing, Sinise also highlighted his latest project, "Brothers After War," a documentary that focuses on the experiences of Iraq war veterans. The film reunites Jake Rademacher, the director of the earlier documentary "Brothers At War," with his siblings ten years after their initial foray into filmmaking.
Sinise, who serves as an executive producer on "Brothers After War," emphasized the importance of supporting veterans and providing them with resources to address the challenges they face upon returning home from service.
"Soldiers and service members coming back from war and having a difficult time, it can be very hard. And we all know the difficulties that we’ve had with suicide in the military and all of that. We want to provide as many healing opportunities and healing services, of the Gary Sinise Foundation, for our service members as possible," Sinise stated, underscoring his commitment to assisting veterans through his foundation.
He expressed hope that "Brothers After War" would serve as a catalyst for open dialogue and healing among veterans. "And I think ‘Brothers After War’ can have a lot to do with getting our service members to open up about what they’re actually feeling, what they’ve been through. And it can be… a real opportunity for them to share their stories and then move on. We want them all to move on," Sinise said.
Drawing a parallel to the iconic film "Forrest Gump," Sinise expressed his desire for veterans to find their own "happy ending." "Just like Lieutenant Dan and Forrest Gump. He goes through a lot of bad stuff. But what’s happening? What happens at the end? It’s a happy ending for him, and we want the happy ending for everybody who serves in our military and goes off to war and comes home," he concluded.
