One of the greatest American actors of the 20th century was voted “least likely to succeed” by his first theater school, wasn’t a star until he was 40 and possessed a face he once described as “your everyday mineworker.

Gene Hackman, who has died aged 95, started his acting career later in life but became one of Hollywood's most bankable stars. The US actor, his wife Betsy Arakawa, 64, and their dog were found dead at their home in Santa Fe,

Mr. Hackman’s body was found inside his home, along with those of his wife and a dog. The sheriff in Santa Fe, N.M., said it appeared that the couple had been dead for days or possibly weeks.