Washington [US], February 28 : Although Gene Hackman left a legacy of outstanding dramatic performances, he also managed to elicit some laughs throughout his illustrious career.
Writer-director Mel Brooks reminisced about working with Hackman on his Academy Award-nominated 1974 comedy classic 'Young Frankenstein', reported Deadline.
"I was privileged to know Gene Hackman because he played tennis with another Gene--Gene Wilder. And that Gene told him about a little role called The Blind Hermit in our movie YOUNG FRANKENSTEIN," wrote Brooks on X. "He said, 'Do you think Mel would let me play it? I've always wanted to do a comedy.' Needless to say, I was over the moon and he was perfect," as per the outlet.
'Young Frankenstein' is a 1974 comedy horror film directed by Mel Brooks. Brooks and Gene Wilder co-wrote the screenplay. Wilder also starred in the lead role as the title character, a descendant of the infamous Victor Frankenstein. Peter Boyle portrayed the monster. The film co-stars Teri Garr, Cloris Leachman, Marty Feldman, Madeline Kahn, Kenneth Mars, Richard Haydn, and Gene Hackman.
On Thursday, Hackman and wife Betsy Arakawa were found dead at their Santa Fe, NM home, along with one of their dogs. Arakawa's body was discovered with an open pill bottle and pills scattered next to her, reported Deadline.
Although foul play is not currently suspected, investigators have labeled the deaths "suspicious" and have launched a thorough search and investigation to determine the cause.
Two maintenance workers discovered Hackman and Arakawa's bodies in separate areas of their home. Arakawa was found lying on the bathroom floor, with an open prescription pill bottle and scattered pills nearby.
Hackman was located in the mud room, adjacent to the kitchen, with his sunglasses by his side. Both appeared to have fallen to the ground.
In addition, a dead dog was discovered near Arakawa's body in the bathroom closet, while two healthy dogs were found on the property.
The Santa Fe County Sheriff's Office, which responded to the scene, noted no signs of forced entry into the home.
Fire department and gas company personnel checked for a possible gas leak or carbon monoxide poisoning, but no signs of such hazards were detected.
"No obvious signs of a gas leak," said Det. Roy Arndt in a search warrant affidavit, though the circumstances were deemed suspicious enough to warrant further investigation.
The bodies showed clear signs of decomposition. Arakawa's body had bloating in her face and mummification of her hands and feet. Hackman's body exhibited similar signs, according to the affidavit.
The Office of the Medical Investigator (OMI) conducted autopsies on Thursday, confirming that no traumatic injuries, such as gunshot wounds or stab wounds, were present on either body. Toxicology and carbon monoxide tests are ongoing.
Hackman, who was married to Arakawa since 1991, is survived by three children, Christopher, Elizabeth Jean and Leslie Anne, with late ex-wife, Maltese, according to Deadline.