Legendary Hollywood actor Hackman, 95, and his wife, 64, were both discovered in separate rooms inside their $3.8million home on Wednesday.

Hackman was found fully clothed in a wet room off the kitchen, while Betsy was in a bathroom with authorities believing the couple may have been dead for weeks and showed signs of “mummification”.

Investigations are ongoing into their cause of death with several possibilities still being looked at.

Heartbroken daughters Elizabeth and Leslie were seen grabbing breakfast together at a Denny’s restaurant on Thursday morning.

They were seen getting out of a grey SUV and walking into the breakfast chain in Burbank, California.

Leslie, 59, has lived in California for some time as she revealed the long distance between her home and Hackman’s New Mexico mansion meant they hadn’t seen each other in months.

She added that her father was notoriously reclusive in his later years but always remained in good health thanks to Betsy.

Leslie told The Daily Mail: “We were close. I hadn’t talked to them for a couple months, but everything was normal and everything was good.”

She was joined by her sister Elizabeth and his granddaughter Annie in leaving a touching tribute to their beloved dad on Thursday.

They released a statement which read: “It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of our father, Gene Hackman and his wife, Betsy.

He was loved and admired by millions around the world for his brilliant acting career, but to us he was always just Dad and Grandpa.

“We will miss him sorely and are devastated by the loss.”

It comes as officials are continuing to probe the shock deaths of the couple and their dog.

An early autopsy into the deaths of both Gene and Betsy showed they had no signs of external trauma.

Cops are currently labelling their deaths “suspicious” as the door to their home was found ajar but there was no sign of forced entry, according to an affidavit.

Officials added that carbon monoxide and toxicology tests are still pending.

The statement read: “In the early hours of Thursday, February 27 2025, Hackman and Arakawa were transported to the Office of the Medical Investigator.

“An autopsy was performed. Initial findings noted no external trauma to either individual.

“Carbon monoxide and toxicology tests were requested for both individuals.

“The manner and cause of death has not been determined.

“The official results of the autopsy and toxicology reports are pending. This remains an open investigation.”

Authorities have also confirmed that one of the couple’s German Shepherds was found dead, while two other dogs survived.

It is unclear whether the dog was found in a kennel or a closet in the home.

REMARKABLE CAREER

Gene Hackman’s career took off with his role as Buck Barrow in Bonnie and Clyde in 1967.

He went on to star in the Superman films and appeared in hits like Mississippi Burning, Unforgiven, Crimson Tide, and The Poseidon Adventure.

In 1972, he earned the Best Actor Oscar for his portrayal of Jimmy “Popeye” Doyle in The French Connection.

Hackman received a second Academy Award in 1993, winning Best Supporting Actor for his role as Little Bill Daggett in the western Unforgiven, alongside Clint Eastwood, Morgan Freeman, and Anna Thomson.

The film won four Oscars, including Best Picture.

Over his illustrious career, Hackman appeared in over 100 films.

He was nominated for five Academy Awards, won two Oscars, earned two BAFTA nominations, and received three Golden Globe awards.

MOVING TRIBUTES

Messages have poured in from fellow stars and even royalty, paying tribute to the legendary actor and his remarkable legacy.

Prince William expressed his sorrow, saying he was “so sad” to hear the heartbreaking news about Gene and his wife.

He added: “Hackman was a true genius of film who brought each and every character to life with power, authenticity and star quality.”

American actor George Takei honored Hackman’s enduring impact, stating: “Gene’s work will live on forever. We have lost one of the true giants of the screen.

“Gene Hackman could play anyone, and you could feel a whole life behind it. He could be everyone and no one, a towering presence or an everyday Joe. That’s how powerful an actor he was.”

Filmmaker Francis Ford Coppola, who worked with Hackman on The Conversation in 1974, remembered him as a “great actor.”

Coppola said: “The loss of a great artist, always cause for both mourning and celebration: Gene Hackman a great actor, inspiring and magnificent in his work and complexity. I mourn his loss, and celebrate his existence and contribution.”