Gene Hackman tributes pour in from around the world after Oscar winner’s shock death
Legendary actor Gene Hackman has been found dead, and fellow celebrities have penned moving tributes for the star.
Gene died at the age of 95, along with his wife Betsy Arakawa, 64. The Hollywood icon died in Santa Fe, New Mexico, where he lived with his wife. Local police gave an interview just after midnight to confirm the details of the couple’s death.
Santa Fe County Sheriff Adan Mendoza stated that both Hackman and Arakawa had passed away, along with their dog. Mendoza added that there was no foul play, but gave no further details about the time or cause of death, according to the Santa Fe New Mexican.
Celebrities were quick to react to the news, with Lorraine Kelly speaking about the tragedy as the news broke on Good Morning Britain. “That is a real shocker, I was just reading about what an amazing actor he is, when you think of the movies that he’s been in… French Connection, everybody remembers that! Wonderful, wonderful film! I had no idea he was 95! That’s really really sad,” she said.
Read updates on the tragic death of Gene Hackman and wife Betsy Arakawa in the Mirror’s live blog HERE
The ITV star continued: “He’s an absolute icon, brilliant. He was so funny in Birdcage… he could do drama, he could do comedy, he could do absolutely anything.”
Over on X, formerly known as Twitter, comedian Dara O Briain wrote: “Ah, Gene Hackman. The finest screen actor ever, I think. Not a single duff performance, in a long, long career. And the best delivery ever of a single word: when he says ‘Cigars!’ In Young Frankenstein.”
Star Trek legend George Takei also shared a moving note, writing: “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. He will be missed, but his work will live on forever.”
Journalist Piers Morgan shared the news of Gene’s death, and added: “What an incredibly sad end to a remarkable life. RIP.” Meanwhile, Shaun of the Dead co-writer and director Edgar Wright reposted an announcement about the actor, and simply wrote: “The greatest…”
Actor Peter Egan spoke about Gene on GB News, and shared: “I first saw him in Bonnie and Clyde in the late ’60s and he kind of burned his way through the screen.” He described the star as an “absolutely brilliant actor” and a “Hollywood legend,” and gushed over his “wonderful ability to draw you into the heart of each character he was playing.”
Filmmaker Francis Ford Coppola, who worked with Gene in the 1974 film The Conversation, wrote on Threads: “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.”
Award-winning Spanish actor Antonio Banderas emotionally penned: “A very sad day for the cinema’s family. Gene Hackman and his wife Betsy Arakawa have passed away. My deepest condolences to friends, family and cinema lovers. RIP.”
Actress Viola Davis added: “Loved you in everything! The Conversation, The French Connection, The Poseidon Adventure, Unforgiven – tough yet vulnerable. You were one of the greats. God bless those who loved you. Rest well, sir.”
Director Paul Feig also honoured the star, writing: “So awful. Gene was such an inspiration to so many of us who love movies. So many brilliant roles. His performance in ‘The Conversation’ alone changed the way I looked at acting and what actors could bring to a role. Such an amazing career. RIP Mr. Hackman.”
Even production companies took a moment to note the major loss to cinema, with Studio Canal UK sharing a photo of Gene and writing: “What a colossal loss for cinema today. Hugely saddened by the passing of one of the true greats – Gene Hackman. We send our deepest condolences.”
Gene and his wife are already being mourned, while police are still investigating the manner of their deaths. “All I can say is that we’re in the middle of a preliminary death investigation, waiting on approval of a search warrant,” Sheriff Mendoza said, according to The Sun.
“We can confirm that both Gene Hackman and his wife were found deceased Wednesday afternoon at their residence on Sunset Trail. This is an active investigation – however, at this time we do not believe that foul play was a factor.”
“I want to assure the community and neighbourhood that there’s no immediate danger to anyone,” Mendoza added according to GB News.
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