Gene Hackman, the actor known for such roles as Lex Luthor and in The French Connection, has been found dead alongside his wife, Betsy Hackman, and one of their dogs at their home in Sante Fe, New Mexico.

The star, 95, was one of the industry’s most celebrated creatives with two Oscars under his belt. At the end of his life, Hackman was seldom seen out in public, and little was known about his health. He was last photographed with Betsy, 64, on March 28 as they held hands outside a restaurant in Santa Fe.

Hackman’s prolific career — including performances in Unforgiven (1992), Bonnie and Clyde (1967) and I Never Sang for My Father (1970) — ended in 2004 after he starred opposite Ray Romano in Welcome to Mooseport. He was 74 at the time.

He reflected on his quiet retirement while promoting a book in 2008, telling Reuters: “I haven’t held a press conference to announce retirement,...