Tributes For Gene Hackman, One of Filmdom’s Greatest Actors
by Best Classic Bands Staff
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.
“There was no finer actor than Gene,” Clint Eastwood wrote in a statement. “Intense and instinctive. Never a false note. He was also a dear friend whom I will miss very much.”
One of the personal highlights of my career was bringing the French Film Gardé a Vue (Under Suspicion) to life with the incredibly gifted Gene Hackman. And of course… Unforgiven. Rest in peace, my friend. pic.twitter.com/Rw6DTwScZn
— Morgan Freeman (@morgan_freeman) February 27, 2025
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
I was privileged to know Gene Hackman because he played tennis with another Gene—Gene Wilder. And that Gene told him about a little role called The Blind Hermit in our movie YOUNG FRANKENSTEIN. He said, “Do you think Mel would let me play it? I’ve always wanted to do a comedy.”… pic.twitter.com/hjDHROS6GA
— Mel Brooks (@MelBrooks) February 28, 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
From Joe Walsh: “Summer of 1976 or so in Santa Barbara. I had joined a new band and we were working on what would become Hotel California. My buddy Gene had just finished what would become The Domino Principle. We drank hard. We laughed hard. We fought over who had the bigger nose (he did). And oh man… We played poker for days. Whenever I hear the term “Poker Face,” I will always see this face… and giggle. Godspeed, my friend.”
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.
- Johnny Tillotson, ‘Poetry in Motion’ Singer, Dies at 86 - 04/02/2025
- The Top Albums in April 1976 - 04/02/2025
- Tributes For Val Kilmer, Hollywood Star - 04/02/2025
3 Comments so far
Jump into a conversationAll the accolades and sadness are more than I can contribute. All I know was this ‘guy’ made me laugh, cry, cringe, shocked, jealous as all hell…He had more talent and joy in his work than should be legal. God you will be missed.
“Cut!” “Print!” “F . . . . “
A brilliant actor who will be sadly missed