The world of cinema is mourning the loss of one of its greatest actors, Gene Hackman, who passed away at the age of 95. Hackman was found dead at his New Mexico home alongside his wife, Betsy Arakawa, and their dog. While no cause of death has been confirmed, authorities described the situation as “suspicious enough” to warrant an investigation.
Hackman’s daughters, Elizabeth and Leslie, along with his granddaughter Annie, led the tributes, stating: “He was loved and admired by millions around the world for his brilliant acting career, but to us, he was always just dad and grandpa.”
A legendary actor with over 100 film roles, Hackman won two Academy Awards, first for The French Connection (1971) and later for Unforgiven (1992). He was best known for portraying tough, layered characters, including the notorious Lex Luthor in the Superman films of the late 1970s and 80s. His ability to infuse every role with authenticity made him one of the most revered actors of his generation.
Hollywood’s biggest names paid tribute, reflecting on his immense contribution to film. Morgan Freeman, who worked with Hackman on Unforgiven, called him “incredibly gifted,” while the film’s director, Clint Eastwood, expressed his deep sadness. Ralph Fiennes posted a black-and-white portrait of Hackman titled Gene Hackman 1930-2025, and Tom Hanks remarked: “There has never been a ‘Gene Hackman type.’ There has only been Gene Hackman.”
Prince William, President of BAFTA, praised Hackman as “a true genius of film who brought each character to life with power, authenticity, and star quality.” Meanwhile, Superman co-star Valerie Perrine remembered Hackman as “a genius and one of the greatest to grace the silver screen.”
Beyond his Oscar-winning roles, Hackman left a lasting legacy with films like Bonnie and Clyde (1967), The Conversation (1974), Scarecrow (1973), Young Frankenstein (1974), and The Royal Tenenbaums (2001). Filmmaker Francis Ford Coppola called him “a great artist, inspiring and magnificent in his work.”
Spanish actor Antonio Banderas summed up the sentiment, calling it “a very sad day for cinema’s family.” As The Guardian film critic Pete Bradshaw wrote, “Hackman’s death marks the end of one of the greatest periods of US cinema.” His influence will undoubtedly endure, ensuring that his legendary performances continue to captivate audiences for generations to come.
