Gene Hackman found dead alongside wife at home

They were discovered alongside the family dog

The 95-year-old Oscar winner was discovered dead next to his wife, classical pianist Betsy Arakawa, and the couple's dog on Wednesday morning (26 February).

The death of the couple was confirmed just after midnight by Santa Fe Country Sheriff Adan Mendoza.

The Sheriff said there is no immediate indication of foul play, although a cause of death has not been provided or when the couple might have died.

Hackman and Arakawa had been married since 1991.

Hackman found stardom in 1967 after starring in Bonnie and Clyde while has also appeared as the likes of Lex Luther in Superman.

He was well known for his role in The French Connection for which he won an Academy Award for best actor.

Since 2004 the actor has been relatively reclusive, not appearing in any works or being often seen.

Upon leaving his acting career behind he left Los Angeles and moved to New Mexico for a quieter life.

He played more than 100 roles throughout his career.