The French Connection star, 95, was found dead alongside his wife Betsy Arakawa, 63, and their pet dog at their home in New Mexico on Wednesday (26 February).

“We can confirm that both Gene Hackman and his wife were found deceased Wednesday afternoon at their residence on Sunset Trail,” Santa Fe County said in a statement.

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

Gene Hackman adopted a dog from a shelter

ackman and Arakawa had reportedly shared their home with two German Shepherds.

Back when the actor was filming The Replacements, two stray dogs wandered onto the set in Baltimore.

He was said to have named the two dogs Gene and Keanu, after his costar Keanu Reeves.

After bringing both to the shelter, Hackman and his wife went on to adopt the one with his shared name.

According to the Daily Mail, shelter Animal Rescue shared a birthday message to the film star last year.

“Happy 94th birthday to our most famous adopter Gene Hackman!! While filming The Replacements in Baltimore in 1999, two stray dogs wandered onto the movie set,” they said.

“Both dogs were transported to us via limousine and the Hackmans came up the following week and adopted one of them. #adoptdontshop.”

Gene Hackman and Betsy Arakawa made a rare public appearance together last year

For the first time in 21 years, the pair were pictured together in public after leaving Pappadeaux Seafood Kitchen in Albuquerque, New Mexico in 2024.

The two-time Oscar winner held on to his wife’s arm and was using a cane.

Hackman first met Arakawa, from Hawaii, at a fitness centre in LA, where she worked part-time. They started dating in 1984.

He married his first wife Faye Maltese in 1956, going on to divorce her in 1986.

They shared children Leslie Anne, Elizabeth Jean and Christopher Allen.

Hackman has appeared in 79 feature films from 1961 to 2004.

He is considered by many to be one of the greatest actors of all time, having picked up two Academy Awards, two BAFTAs, four Golden Globes and a Screen Actors Guild award.

His two Oscar wins came in the form of Best Actor for The French Connection (1971) and then Best Supporting Actor for Unforgiven (1992).

Hackman would retire from acting in 2004 due to health complications.

“The straw that broke the camel’s back was actually a stress test that I took in New York,” the actor told Empire in 2009.

“The doctor advised me that my heart wasn’t in the kind of shape that I should be putting it under any stress.”

Donald Trump’s new Attorney General Pam Bondi confirmed that she would be releasing highly sought after information in involving Epstein’s charges for sex trafficking.

The 66-year-old disgraced financier had taken his life while in custody awaiting trial for charges related to child sex-trafficking back in 2019.

Bondi had previously revealed that numerous documents, including flight logs and the infamous ‘client list’ of people, were currently sitting on her desk after being sworn into the role as Attorney General by President Donald Trump and that they would be released once the names of victims had been redacted.

“There are well over – this will make you sick – 200 victims … over 250, actually,” she told Fox News host Jesse Watters yesterday, when asked about the delay in releasing the documents.

“So, we have to make sure that their identity is protected and their personal information, but other than that, I think tomorrow – you know, the personal information of victims – other than that, I think tomorrow, Jesse, breaking news, right now, you’re going to see some Epstein information being released by my office,” Bondi added.

Bondi was then pressed on what information we could expect to see released to the public, to which she confirmed that flight logs and a ‘lot of’ names would be shared

“What you’re going to see, hopefully tomorrow, is a lot of flight logs, a lot of names, a lot, a lot of information,” Bondi said of the update.

“But, it’s pretty sick what that man did … along with his co-defendant.”

The co-defendant Boni is referring to is Ghislaine Maxwell, who was charged with sentenced to 20 years in prison in 2022 after being convicted for her role in helping Epstein abuse young girls.

Prior to being charged with running a sex trafficking ring targeting young girls, financier Epstein had been a known associate of numerous famous faces.

Bondi’s decision to release the files comes after public pressure from politicians who questioned why she appeared to be hesitating over the decision.

“Reaching out on X because we can’t seem to get a response from the AG. @AGPamBondi what is the status of the documents,” Republican Representative Anna Paulina Luna wrote on X. “These documents were ordered to be declassified.”

“The AG still not releasing the EPSTEIN FILES is weird and raises the question of who she might be protecting,” Democrat Representative Ilhan Omar wrote.

The Superman actor, 95, and Arakawa, 63, were found dead, alongside their dog, at their residence in New Mexico on 26 February.

“We can confirm that both Gene Hackman and his wife were found deceased Wednesday afternoon at their residence on Sunset Trail,” Santa Fe County said in a statement.

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

Gene Hackman made rare public appearance in March 2024

Hackman and his wife made their first public appearance together in 21 years last March.

Pictures show the pair, who have been married since 1991, leaving a Pappadeaux Seafood Kitchen in Albuquerque, New Mexico.

The two-time Oscar winner was seen holding on to his wife’s arm while using his other hand to lean on his cane.

According to reports, the Royal Tenenbaums actor first met Arakawa, originally from Hawaii, at a fitness centre in LA, where she worked part-time. They started dating in 1984.

Hackman divorced his first wife Faye Maltese, whom he married in 1956, in 1986.

They shared children Leslie Anne, Elizabeth Jean and Christopher Allen.

Hackman retired from acting in 2004

The movie star, known for his roles in Mississippi Burning and Behind Enemy Lines, pretty much left the spotlight after retiring from acting in 2004 due to health complications.

“The straw that broke the camel’s back was actually a stress test that I took in New York,” the actor explained to Empire in 2009.

“The doctor advised me that my heart wasn’t in the kind of shape that I should be putting it under any stress.”

Throughout his career, Hackman appeared in 79 feature films from 1961 to 2004.

During that period, the celebrated actor won two Academy Awards, two BAFTAs, four Golden Globes and a Screen Actors Guild award.

The Godfather director Francis Ford Coppola has been leading the tributes, having worked with Hackman on The Conversation in 1974.

“The loss of a great artist, always cause for both mourning and celebration: Gene Hackman a great actor, inspiring and magnificent in his work and complexity. I mourn his loss, and celebrate his existence and contribution,” he said.

The two-time Oscar winner, known for his roles in Superman and Mississippi Burning, has passed away at the age of 95, while his wife was 63.

The couple, who had been married since 1991, were found dead alongside their dog.

“We can confirm that both Gene Hackman and his wife were found deceased Wednesday afternoon at their residence on Sunset Trail,” Santa Fe County said in a statement.

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

Gene Hackman’s marriage to Betsy Arakawa

Arakawa, from Hawaii, reportedly met the Royal Tenenbaums actor at a fitness centre in LA, where she worked as a part-time employee.

In 1984 they started dating and eventually got married seven years later.

This came as Hackman divorced from Faye Maltese, with the pair marrying in 1956 and finalising their split in 1986.

They shared children Leslie Anne, Elizabeth Jean and Christopher Allen.

Meanwhile, Hackman and Arakawa never had kids of their own.

“He wishes he’d been around more for his children, but now he’s close with them and their kids,” a source once told Closer Weekly.

Prior to his death, the source said the pair lived a quiet life together after Hackman quit Hollywood in 2004.

“His health is good, he still bicycles, does yard work and he’s a great handyman,” they added.

“After all the drama of Gene’s career, he loves the peaceful life he shares with the lovely Betsy.”

Speaking to Empire in 2009, Hackman said in his retirement he enjoyed ‘DVDs that my wife rents; we like simple stories that some of the little low-budget films manage to produce’.

He also said the couple enjoyed watching Comedy Central together every Friday, in particular Eddie Izzard’s standup.

In April 2024, they made a rare public appearance together in Santa Fe, as the source said: “He looked a little grizzled, but in good shape.”

Hackman, who was using a cane, was seen leaving a restaurant with his wife.

Why Gene Hackman quit acting

“The straw that broke the camel’s back was actually a stress test that I took in New York”, the film star explained to Empire in 2009.

“The doctor advised me that my heart wasn’t in the kind of shape that I should be putting it under any stress.”

Throughout his career, Hackman appeared in 79 feature films from 1961 to 2004.

During that period, the celebrated actor won two Academy Awards, two BAFTAs, four Golden Globes and a Screen Actors Guild award.

“Ah, Gene Hackman. The finest screen actor ever, I think. Not a single duff performance, in a long, long career. And the best delivery ever of a single word: when he says ‘Cigars!’ In Young Frankenstein,” one tribute posted on X read.

“Gene Hackman’s about as good as it gets, a legend. Could be playful, menacing, could still be so vulnerable under his gruff exterior and he never ever seemed like he was acting, a total natural. Incredible face, incredible hairline, they don’t create stars like him anymore. RIP,” another added.

The news was confirmed by Santa Fe County Sheriff Adan Mendoza, who added that no signs of foul play have been found.

“We can confirm that both Gene Hackman and his wife were found deceased Wednesday afternoon at their residence on Sunset Trail,” he said. “This is an active investigation – however, at this time we do not believe that foul play was a factor.”

Authorities are yet to confirm a cause of death.

Hackman had enjoyed a glittering career in Hollywood which spanned over six decades and saw him win numerous awards, including Oscars, BAFTAs and Golden Globe awards.

Born in 1930, Hackman started his acting career during the late 1950s and 60s before getting his breakout role in 1967’s Bonnie and Clyde, which earned him a nomination for Best Supporting Actor at the Academy Awards. He would go on to win awards for his roles in The French Connection (1972), Unforgiven (1992) and The Royal Tenenbaums (2002).

He is also known for playing the role of Lex Luthor in various Superman films, Hackman retired from acting in 2004, citing stress on his heart as the reason.

“The straw that broke the camel’s back was actually a stress test that I took in New York,” he told Empire in 2009.

“The doctor advised me that my heart wasn’t in the kind of shape that I should be putting it under any stress.”

Arakawa was a retired pianist and Hackman’s second wife, he was previously married Faye Maltese, with the former couple sharing three children Christopher Allen, Elizabeth Jean, and Leslie Anne Hackman.

Tributes to Hackman have since begun to pour in online, as fans paid their respects to the couple.

“Ah, Gene Hackman. The finest screen actor ever, I think. Not a single duff performance, in a long, long career. And the best delivery ever of a single word: when he says ‘Cigars!’ In Young Frankenstein,” wrote comedian Dara Ó Briain on X.

“Gene was one of the greatest actors of his, or anyone’s generation. He was a powerhouse, as adept at comedy as he was drama. Today is a very sad day, we’ve lost a legend. Gene was a giant of cinema,” a second person penned, while a third added: “RIP Gene Hackman. One of the all-time greats. Never gave less than his all in everything.”

Trachtenberg, also known for her roles in Buffy the Vampire Slayer and Harriet the Spy, was found dead in her New York City apartment just after 8am local time on Wednesday (26 February).

Her death is not being treated as suspicious and the police said the medical examiner will determine the cause of her death.

“It is with great sadness to confirm that Michelle has passed away,” the actor’s representative said.

“The family requests privacy for their loss. There are no further details at this time.”

Taking to Instagram, Lively captioned a photo of the pair, which read: “Everything she did, she did 200 percent.

“She laughed the fullest at someone’s joke, she faced authority head on when she felt something was wrong, she cared deeply about her work, she was proud to be a part of this community and industry as painful as it could be sometimes, she was fiercely loyal to her friends and brave for those she loved, she was big and bold and distinctly herself.

“Time passes. You take for granted that you get the chance to see an old friend.

“To paraphrase, the real tragedies in life are the ones that blindside you on an idle Tuesday.

“Hold those you love and have loved dear.”

The 37-year-old, who starred as Serena van der Woodsen from 2008 to 2012, added: “The world lost a deeply sensitive and good person in Michelle.

“May her work and her huge heart be remembered by those who were lucky enough to experience her fire.”

Trachtenberg played young socialite Georgina Sparks of Manhattan’s Upper East Side who created havoc throughout the show.

Fellow Gossip Girl star Ed Westwick shared a tribute yesterday (26 February) on social media, which read: “So sad to hear of the passing of @michelletrachtenberg sending prayers.”

Her Buffy the Vampire Slayer co-stars also said goodbye to their ‘little sister’.

Trachtenberg was best known for playing Dawn Summers, the younger sister of character Buffy, starring Sarah Michelle Gellar.

Emma Caulfield, who starred as Anya Jenkins in the series, took to her Instagram Story where she referred to Trachtenberg as ‘Mish Mish’.

Caulfield wrote: “I’m so sorry your bright light died so young. Our Buffy family lost a little sister today.

“Rest in peace lovely Mish Mish. You were loved.”

Alyson Hannigan, who played Willow Rosenberg, added: “I am deeply saddened by the news of Michelle’s passing.

“She brought a loving energy to the set of Buffy. My thoughts are with Michelle’s family and friends.”

Another co-star, David Boreanaz, said: “So very sad. Horrible news.”

In 2022, former Love Island star and current Loose Woman Olivia Attwood launched her eye-opening docuseries Getting Filthy Rich.

The ITV programme sees the 33-year-old exploring taboo subjects, such as how ‘sugar babies’ make money and how a dominatrix operates.

In the third season of Getting Filthy Rich, the TV presenter indulges in something called ‘The Boyfriend Experience’ and meets one of the top earners on OnlyFans, Dani Daniels.

The 35-year-old, who is just one of the many women making big bucks on the platform, has been appearing in content since 2011 and first entered the adult entertainment industry as a stripper.

According to the creator, she had a ton of debt to pay off from going to art school, and later joined OnlyFans after seeing some success.

“I started stripping to pay off the debt. I had always been bisexual,” she told Attwood. “Then OnlyFans started and I was actually one of the first performers to be on the site.”

Now, according to the Florida-based star herself, she has an estimated net worth of $5 million (£3.95 million).

She reportedly cashed in $109,557.68 (£86,619) in the last 30 days, as per The Sun, and at one point, had a pending balance of $30,162.69 (£23,947.53) on her account. Wow.

Despite the paycheck, Daniels claims being one of the world’s most-searched adult entertainers isn’t all fun and games.

Instead, she grinds hard, pouring hours and hours into her craft.

“My regular days are 12 hour days. It’s a lot of work,” she said. “It’s all in the performers. We have the power to put in the work to create the longevity you would hope for.”

Previously, she’s also had hundreds of photographs stolen in catfishing attempts. But that’s not the only issue that Daniels has taken with her job.

In fact, there’s a serious downside that comes with posting content online, and it’s that she can’t shift the ‘porn star’ title.

“It’s forever. It’s like getting a f**king tattoo,” she lamented. “If I cured cancer tomorrow, it would be like ‘Former porn star cures cancer’, it’s always gonna be part of my life.”

Despite this, Daniels also has a successful career as an artist under the moniker Kira Lee.

The Scottish Sun reports that one of her paintings has been featured in an exhibit at the prestigious Lyman Allyn Museum in New London Connecticut.

As well as producing content for OnlyFans, Daniels has previously fronted her own American talk show, Dinner with Dani.

The Amazon Prime Video offering premiered back in 2018 and saw the pornographic actress sitting down with other adult stars including Mia Malkova, Johnny Sins and Lauren Phillips.

Popular filmmaker Drew Binsky has amassed 5.14 million subscribers and collected over one billion views with his travel content.

Right now, some of his most popular videos include an investigation into a man who hasn’t slept since 1962, a six-minute clip featuring famous Dutchman Wim Hof, and a spectacular trip to South Sudan.

Each video has wracked up millions of views and thousands of comments from fans, who Binsky has given the chance to travel the world from their couch.

Two years ago the YouTuber uploaded a nine-minute video explaining the five places he enjoyed the least. While it could be seen as pretty controversial, it’s worth noting that it is only based on his experiences there.

Djibouti

The first country the seasoned traveller claimed he didn’t love going to was Djibouti in East Africa.

Situated in the continent’s Horn the 23,200 km2 country is bordered by Somalia, Ethiopia, Eritrea, and the Red Sea.

The Pearl of the Gulf of Tadjoura boasts the smallest population in mainland Africa and was visited by Binsky during a three-month stint in 2018.

He claimed that he had problems with his money upon arrival at one of Djibouti’s airports and that there wasn’t a ‘whole lot going on’ while walking around the streets.

Despite the large military presence, the YouTuber claimed he felt ‘unsafe’ while travelling through the country and complained that it was ‘obnoxiously expensive’.

“It was just a hard place for me to grasp [and] a difficult culture to figure out,” he lamented.

Chad

Next up on the content creator’s miss list was Chad, situated in Central Africa.

While in the landlocked country, Binsky was separated from his ‘friend’ while riding on a motorcycle taxi.

He ended up in a police chase, due to the motorcycle being stolen, and later got involved in a brawl after taking a photograph of a child.

“Normally I get approval from the parents. I didn’t see the parents around and it turned into a huge problem and a brawl. A guy threatened to take out a knife,” he recalled.

Despite the fact he left early, the video creator said he was up for giving Chad another chance, citing his interest in the Gerewol Festival – a week-long celebration of courtship in the north of the country.

Guinea

Another African country in which Binsky didn’t have the best time was the Republic of Guinea.

Located on the Atlantic coast, Guinea – formerly French Guinea – is mostly dependent on agriculture and mineral production, and has a population of around 14 million.

Describing the 2019 excursion as ‘tough’, Binsky explained that he visited as part of military coups and experienced police with riot shields storming down streets.

“We thought we were being attacked,” the YouTuber claimed. “Even shooting on my phone [I was] nervous.”

He also complained that there wasn’t ‘that much’ to do in Guinea other than ‘try to stay safe’.

Brunei

The only Asian country to make it onto Binsky’s least favourite countries list was Brunei, situated on the northern coast of the island of Borneo.

Despite remarking that the Land of Unexpected Treasures was an ‘interesting’ place, the YouTuber explained that he found the place ‘unwelcoming’ and was allegedly ‘kicked out’ of the Golden Mosque.

He said: “Some guy was in there and screamed at me to get out. Really, really aggressive and to this day I don’t know what I did wrong. I don’t know why they would be so rude to me when I wanted to visit their holy place.”

Despite his experience, Binsky did recommend that fellow travellers visit a National Park called Ulu Temburong, which covers 50,000 hectares of virgin rainforest.

Activities include riding a long boat upstream, visiting a waterfall and taking part in the breathtaking Belalong Canopy Walkway.

Guyana

Over to South Africa for the fifth and final country that Binsky wouldn’t recommend visiting to a friend: Guyana.

Bordered by Brazil, Venezuela and Suriname, Guyana is considered the second-least populous sovereign state on the continent and is considered one of the least densely populated countries on Earth.

Binsky remarked that he felt ‘very unsafe’ in Guyana’s capital city, Georgetown, saying that his hostel owner told him not to go outside after 7pm.