The Great film actor Gene Hackman, along with his wife Betsy Anakawa, along with the family dog were found dead in their Santa Fe New Mexico home. Cause of death still unknown, but likely due to a gas leak.

The great actor won 2 Acadamy Awards in his role as Popeye Doyle in 'The French Connection' and as Little Bill Daggett in 'Unforgiven' along with numerous nominations for the Oscar.

Films that stand out in his career , Coach Dale in 'Hoosiers' , the Blindman in 'Young Frankenstein' , Lex Luthor in the Superman trilogy, Polish General Sosabowski in 'A Bridge too Far', Anderson in 'Mississippi Burning', Ramsey in 'Crimson Tide', Senator Keeley in 'The Birdcage', President Richmond in 'Absolute Power', Admiral Reigart in 'Behind Enemy Lines'. Just to point out a few.

But his comedy roles in 'The Birdcage' and 'Young Frankenstein' were always my favorites.

In July 7th 2004 he announced his retirement from acting, mainly over the stress he was under while acting.

We lost a great actor!

*Edit* Seems Hackman and his wife have been dead for sometime, that their bodies were in advanced decomposition, meaning minimum of a couple weeks, and their German shepherd dog found dead in a cage inside the house. His wife was found in the bathroom with a orange pill bottle and pills scattered about the bathroom countertop. Home didn't show any sign of theft or burglary. Still unknown on cause of death.