Tributes For Gene Hackman, One of Filmdom’s Greatest Actors

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Gene Hackman in 1971’s The French Connection.

It was upsetting news to read and hear on the morning of February 27, 2025, that actor Gene Hackman, 95, was found dead in his Santa Fe, New Mexico home, with his 63 year-old wife, Betsy Arakawa. Their bodies were discovered one day earlier, along with their dog. The cause of death had not yet been determined but authorities said there was no evidence of foul play and a timeline was still being determined.

Hackman’s filmography is among the industry’s finest and includes Academy Awards for Best Actor for his role in the 1971 action thriller The French Connection and Best Support Actor for his portrayal of a villainous sheriff in Clint Eastwood’s 1992 western, Unforgiven. Hackman also received Oscar nominations for Bonnie and Clyde, I Never Sang For My Father and Mississippi Burning. His dozens of film roles include such powerhouse motion pictures as The Conversation, Superman, The Poseidon Adventure, Hoosiers, Crimson Tide, Get Shorty, Absolute Power and Enemy of the State.

Watch Hackman in the heart-stopping car chase scene from The French Connection

Tributes for Hackman began arriving immediately from his Hollywood family including directors and fellow actors, many of whom referred to him of filmdom’s true giants.

Francis Ford Coppola, who directed Hackman in The Conversation, wrote on his Instagram, “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.”

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 pic.twitter.com/PmuiLU4Jyb

— Antonio Banderas (@antoniobanderas) February 27, 2025

From a Superman co-star…

The great Gene Hackman has passed away. He was a genius & 1 of the greatest to grace the silver screen. I had the honor of working with Him on Superman. His performances are legendary. His talent will be missed.
Goodbye my sweet Lex
Till we meet again.
Valerie#genehackman pic.twitter.com/893mLH3vLl

— valerie perrine (@TheValPerrine) February 27, 2025

Watch Hackman in a classic scene from Hoosiers

From George Takei: “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.”

Hackman is gone. Hurts when your heroes pass. Thank you Gene. You were one of a kind. pic.twitter.com/vj78VyQYlg

— Michael Chiklis (@MichaelChiklis) February 27, 2025

Josh Brolin wrote on Instagram: “I am crushed by the sudden deaths of Gene Hackman and his wife Betsy Arakawa (and their dog). Crushed. He was always one of my favorites. Not many who beat to their own drums like he did. Rest in Peace.”

Watch a classic scene with two powerhouse actors

It was an honor and an education working with Gene Hackman. Mike Nichols said of his genius character acting: “He always brought just enough of a different part of the real gene to each role he played.” Sending all my love to his family & friends. pic.twitter.com/ximxA0iwZF

— Hank Azaria (@HankAzaria) February 27, 2025

Many of Hackman’s films are available to stream or purchase here.