John Mulaney Jokes About Gene Hackman Investigation on Netflix Show

Santa Fe, New Mexico – Comedian John Mulaney recently brought humor to the serious investigation surrounding the deaths of Hollywood legend Gene Hackman and his wife, Betsy Arakawa. On the April 24, 2025, episode of his show “Everybody’s Live With John Mulaney,” the comedian addressed the ongoing police inquiry while joking about the peculiar circumstances of their passing.

Hackman, a two-time Oscar winner, and Arakawa were found dead in their home on February 26. The couple’s deaths prompted a weeks-long investigation by local authorities after several surprising findings emerged. A forensic examination revealed that Arakawa had died first, with Hackman passing away about a week later.

Mulaney, 42, discussed the investigation with a mix of satire and dark humor. He compared the scrutiny of Hackman and Arakawa’s deaths to the scientific community’s long-held belief regarding the extinction of dinosaurs. “Scientists are now like, ‘We believe dinosaurs were killed 66 million years ago by an asteroid,’” Mulaney quipped. “Stop. You don’t know that; we don’t even know how Gene Hackman and his wife died, and we found their whole bodies with full clothes on, one week after the event,” he added.

Reaction to Mulaney’s joke on social media has been mixed. Some viewers found his remarks distasteful, with one commenting, “Just me thinking the Gene Hackman bit was just a tad sickening.” In contrast, others stood by Mulaney’s ability to tackle sensitive topics, with a fan stating, “Only John could get away with a Gene Hackman joke this soon.”

According to the Santa Fe medical examiner, Arakawa’s death was attributed to a rare rat-borne respiratory disease, and her body was found in a mummified state. Hackman’s cause of death was linked to hypertensive atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease. Additionally, one of their dogs was found nearby during the investigation, having been in recovery from surgery.

The Santa Fe County Sheriff’s Office conducted a detailed examination of the couple’s property, revealing shocking conditions, including dead rodents and a rat nest in the garages. Furthermore, investigators noted that Arakawa had been proactive about her husband’s health before their deaths, evidenced by her internet searches and calls.

Mulaney’s riff provided a unique lens to view a tragic event, blending comedy with commentary on public curiosity surrounding high-profile investigations.