Actor Gene Hackman, 95, and wife Betsy Arakawa, 63, found dead at their home

Actor Gene Hackman, 95, and his wife Betsy Arakawa, 63, have been found dead at their home, police have confirmed.

The Hollywood actor and his classical pianist wife were discovered at their house in Santa Fe, with police saying their dog had also died.

A statement from the Santa Fe County Sheriff in New Mexico said there is an 'active investigation' into the death.

“We can confirm that both Gene Hackman and his wife were found deceased Wednesday afternoon at their residence on Sunset Trail," the department said.

“This is an active investigation – however, at this time we do not believe that foul play was a factor.”

According to the Santa Fe New Mexican, Santa Fe County Sheriff Adan Mendoza said in an interview that there was no immediate indication of foul play.

"All I can say is that we're in the middle of a preliminary death investigation, waiting on approval of a search warrant," Mendoza stated.

He added: "I want to assure the community and neighbourhood that there's no immediate danger to anyone."

Gene Hackman and wife Betsy Arakawa in 1986 (Donaldson Collection/Michael Ochs Archives/Getty Images)

Mendoza provided neither a cause of death nor any indication of when the couple might have died.

Tyla has reached out to a representative for Hackman for comment.

Hackman and Arakawa tied the knot in 1991, having previously been married to Faye Maltese - with whom he shares three children - until 1986.

The legendary actor received two Oscars and two BAFTAs during his lengthy acting career, which spanned decades and included major credits in the likes of Bonnie and Clyde, The Conversation, Mississippi Burning, The Royal Tenenbaums and the Superman movies in the 1970s and 1980s.

He secured the coveted Best Actor Oscar in 1972 for his role as Detective Jimmy 'Popeye' Doyle in The French Connection, before landing a further Academy Award in the Best Supporting Actor category for his turn in 1992 Western Unforgiven, directed by Clint Eastwood.

Hackman in The French Connection (20th Century Fox)

Speaking to Empire in 2009 about his decision to retire, Hackman explained: “The straw that broke the camel’s back was actually a stress test that I took in New York.

“The doctor advised me that my heart wasn’t in the kind of shape that I should be putting it under any stress.”

At the time he stepped away from the limelight, there was no official announcement - he just slipped into a much quieter life alongside wife Arakawa.

“The agents don’t want me to say it, in case something good comes along,” he said.

“But I’m officially retired. No doubt about it.”

As for if the studio execs got the memo, Hackman added: “I haven’t talked to Hollywood much lately, so I don’t really know.

“But I would guess that they’ve moved on.”