Gene Hackman, the renowned US actor who won two Academy Awards during his illustrious career spanning over six decades, has been found dead at his home in Santa Fe, New Mexico. He was 95. His wife, Betsy Arakawa, 63, and their dog were also found deceased.

A statement from the Santa Fe County Sheriff’s office confirmed the discovery, stating, “We can confirm that both Gene Hackman and his wife were found deceased Wednesday afternoon at their residence… This is an active investigation – however, at this time we do not believe that foul play was a factor.”

Hackman’s impressive career saw him win Oscars for his roles in “The French Connection” (1971) and “Unforgiven” (1992). He also received nominations for his performances in “Bonnie and Clyde” (1967), “I Never Sang for My Father” (1970), and “Mississippi Burning” (1988).

Tributes have poured in for the late actor, with director Francis Ford Coppola calling him “a great artist”. Coppola wrote on Instagram, “Gene Hackman a great actor, inspiring and magnificent in his work and complexity. I mourn his loss, and celebrate his existence and contribution.”

Valerie Perrine, who co-starred with Hackman in “Superman” (1978), described him as “a genius” and one of the “greatest to grace the silver screen”. George Takei, Anil Kapoor, and other celebrities also paid their respects to the legendary actor.

Hackman’s career saw him play over 100 roles, including supervillain Lex Luthor in the “Superman” film series. He also appeared in notable films like “The Poseidon Adventure” (1972), “The Royal Tenenbaums” (2001), and “Runaway Jury” (2003).

In his later years, Hackman stepped back from acting, focusing on writing novels. He is survived by his children from his first marriage to Faye Maltese.