Gene Hackman Found Dead Alongside Wife and Dog, Michelle Trachtenberg Dies at 39, National Protein, Retro, and Pokémon Day are Celebrated
Joanne Woodward, Johnny Van Zant, Josh Groban, and more celebrate birthdays today
From the LifeMinute.TV Team
February 27, 2025
Actor Gene Hackman, his wife Betsy Arakawa, and their dog found dead in their New Mexico home
Oscar-winning actor Gene Hackman, 95, was found dead in his New Mexico home alongside 64-year-old wife Betsy Arakawa and their dog on Wednesday afternoon. An investigation into the cause of their deaths has been launched, but no foul play is believed to be involved. During his career, Hackman cemented himself as a Hollywood legend, earning two Oscars, four Golden Globes, a SAG Award, and two BAFTAs. He is best known for his leading roles in films such as The French Connection, Unforgiven, Bonnie and Clyde, Young Frankenstein, and Superman. Arakawa spent her career as a classical pianist and an entrepreneur. The two began dating midway through the 1980s after Hackman’s split with ex-wife Faye Maltese, later tying the knot in 1991.
Michelle Trachtenberg dies at 39
Trachtenberg, beloved across generations for her roles in films such as Harriet the Spy and Ice Princess and television in Gossip Girl and Buffy the Vampire Slayer, died on Wednesday at age 39. The actress had reportedly been suffering from medical issues around the time of her passing, though a cause of death has yet to be confirmed. Friends and former co-stars have taken to social media to share their condolences and grief, including fellow Gossip Girl alum Blake Lively, Harriet the Spy co-star Rosie O’Donnell, and Ice Princess’ Kim Cattrall, as well as actors Kenan Thompson, Ed Westwick, Melissa Gilbert, Melissa Joan Hart, and more. Photographer and close friend Amanda de Cadenet shared a post describing a recent FaceTime call with Trachtenberg, writing, “Seeing your face from the hospital bed when we FaceTimed recently, even though you did not look like you, your sweetness and humor were still alive.” Details of the call have since been removed from the post.
Today’s national holidays:
National Protein Day, National Retro Day, National Pokémon Day, National Strawberry Day, National Kahlúa Day, National Toast Day, National Polar Bear Day, National Chili Day, and National Small Dog Day.
In today’s birthday news:
Actress Joanne Woodward is 95, Journey guitarist Neal Schon 71, Lynyrd Skynyrd’s Johnny Van Zant 65, actor Adam Baldwin 63, actor Noah Emmerich 60, actor Donal Logue 59, singer Josh Groban 44, and actress Kate Mara is 42.