Hollywood is mourningGene Hackmanon social media. The actor, who retired in 2004, is known for a wide variety of roles, including his Oscar-winning performances in the 1971William Friedkin movieThe French Connectionand Clint Eastwood’s 1992 WesternUnforgiven. On Wednesday, Hackman was found dead at the age of 95 in his home in Santa Fe, along with his 63-year-old wife Betsy Arakawa and their dog. Their deaths are still under investigation.
Tributes for Gene Hackman have come pouring in from across social mediafrom fans, co-stars, and Hollywood stars who did not work with him but simply admire his body of work. See select tributes from various platforms below:
Legendary filmmakerFrancis Ford Coppola, who directed Hackman in 1974’sThe Conversation, said that the star was “inspiring and magnificent in his work and complexity.”
Star Trek’sGeorge Takeicelebrated Hackman’s life, saying that the actor “could play anyone, and you could feel a whole life behind it.”
Oscar nomineeAntonio Banderassaid it was a “very sad day for the cinema’s family.”
Emmy winnerMichael Chiklislamented Hackman’s death, saying that it “hurts when your heroes pass.”
Michael Rosenbaum, who played young Lex Luthor inSmallville, honored Hackman playing the same role opposite Christopher Reeve in three of his fourSupermanmovies by calling him “my favorite Lex Luthor.”
Mia Farrow, who starred opposite Hackman in 1988’sAnother Woman, said he was “the very best.”
Hackman’sUnder SuspicionandUnforgivenco-starMorgan Freemansaid that co-starring in the former title was “one of the personal highlights of my career.”
DC Studios co-CEO andSuperman(2025) directorJames Gunncalled Hackman “truly one of the greatest screen actors of all time” and listed some of his memorable titles, includingSuperman(1978),Mississippi Burning, andNight Moves.
The Princess BridestarCary Elwes, who was a production assistant on 1978’sSuperman, lamented that “we have lost a true legend.”
Gene Hackman’s Career On Screen
He Starred In More Than 100 Projects
These tributes havehighlighted Gene Hackman’s career in multiple important ways. One way is the fact that the co-stars who have celebrated him are of various ages and are known for starring in a wide variety of genres and mediums, even though he has not performed onscreen since his final role in the 2004 comedyWelcome to Mooseport. The other is the sheer breadth of titles that have been brought to the fore in the tributes, ranging from theSupermanmoviesto his Oscar-nominated roles and beyond.
In addition to his two Oscar wins, Hackman was nominated for his performances in 1967’sBonnie and Clyde, 1970’sI Never Sang for My Father, and 1988’sMississippi Burning.
This showcases the fact thathis body of work has a huge breadththat is nearly impossible to contain. In fact, he has starred in even more notable titles than the ones mentioned in the selected tributes. This includes projects that range from the beginning of his career in shows includingHawk,I Spy,The Defenders,Route 66, andBrennerto his late-career movies such as theJohn Grisham adaptationRunaway Jury, Wes Anderson’sThe Royal Tenenbaums, and the Sigourney Weaver comedyHeartbreakers.
Gene Hackman’s Legacy Lives On
He Maintains His Reputation As A Cinema Icon
This outpouring of grief more than 20 years after the release of his last project reveals how muchGene Hackmanhas helped shape every corner of Hollywood over the course of more than four decades in the industry.His legacy will live on thanks to his body of work, which stands as a testament to his contributions to the art form of acting as well as the lives of his co-stars, family, and fans.
Source: Various (see above)
