‘He will be deeply missed’: Hollywood mourns the passing of screen icon Gene Hackman

Hollywood and fans across the world are mourning the loss of screen legend Gene Hackman, who sadly passed away at the age of 95.

His death marks the end of an era for the entertainment world, as Hackman’s unforgettable performances and immense talent left a lasting mark on cinema.

Hackman and his wife Betsy Arakawa, 65, were found dead in their home in New Mexico in the US after Santa Fe County Sheriff’s deputies conducted a welfare check on Wednesday, February 26.

Authorities have stated they do not suspect foul play and an investigation is ongoing.

Hackman’s daughters and granddaughter issued a statement following his passing, expressing their devastation over the loss.

“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,” they said.

“We will miss him sorely and are devastated by the loss.”

Born January 30, 1930, Hackman pursued acting after being discharged from the US Marine Corps, studying at the Pasadena Playhouse before moving to New York to try his luck in theatre and television. Hackman faced many struggles early in his career, working odd jobs to support himself while refining his craft.

His breakthrough came in 1967 with Bonnie and Clyde, earning him an Academy Award nomination for Best Supporting Actor. This success propelled him into a string of iconic roles throughout the 1970s, including his Oscar-winning performance as Detective “Popeye” Doyle in The French Connection (1971).

Hackman’s ability to tackle diverse roles was further showcased in Scarecrow (1973), The Conversation (1974), and The Poseidon Adventure (1972), where he became known for his raw, compelling performances. His portrayal of the villain Lex Luthor in Superman (1978) also became iconic, adding a comedic flair to his broad range.

In the 1980s and 1990s, Hackman solidified his place as one of Hollywood’s most reliable leading men. He played the determined basketball coach in Hoosiers (1986), a role that became a beloved classic, and won his second Academy Award for Best Supporting Actor for his portrayal of the sadistic sheriff in Clint Eastwood’s Unforgiven (1992). He also starred in films such as Mississippi Burning (1988), The Firm (1993), and Enemy of the State (1998), continuing to receive critical acclaim for his stellar performances.

Hackman’s final role came in Welcome to Mooseport (2004), after which he retired from acting.

Throughout his career, Hackman was recognised with numerous accolades, including the Golden Globe’s Cecil B. DeMille Award in 2003 for his extraordinary contribution to film.

In the wake of Hackman’s passing, fellow Hollywood heavyweights such as Clint Eastwood, Morgan Freeman and Antonio Banderas were quick to pay tribute to the “incredibly gifted” actor.

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

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

Extremely saddened by the passing of Gene Hackman, He will be deeply missed… pic.twitter.com/7OlSijbB1H

— Clint Eastwood (@EastwoodMalpaso) February 27, 2025

RIP Gene Hackman – an all time great. One of the most influential screen actors ever. There was nothing he couldn’t do. His work was searingly truthful and often brutally honest – he never let you off the hook . Not afraid of ambiguity – a lost quality these days .
Lucky…

— John Cusack (@johncusack) February 27, 2025

Pouring two Head shots. One in sorrow. One in celebration. For the loss and for the life and career of the great Gene Hackman. Made a D grade picture with Gene and Dom DeLuise. We laughed together through the whole fiasco. Gene told me he only needed four instructions from…

— Dan Aykroyd (@dan_aykroyd) February 27, 2025

Aside from the very sad circumstances of his death, Gene Hackman was one of the all-time great actors and brilliant in everything he ever did from French Connection and Unforgiven to Mississippi Burning, The Conversation and Superman. We’ve lost a giant of the big screen. pic.twitter.com/usA27asrdP

— Piers Morgan (@piersmorgan) February 27, 2025

One of my first movies was a nice supporting role in a movie called NIGHT MOVES. I was excited, of course, because I was going to get to work with every young actor’s hero, Gene Hackman. And, since they were in town visiting, I was going to be able to invite my mom and stepfather…

— James Woods (@RealJamesWoods) February 27, 2025

We are saddened to hear that the much-celebrated actor Gene Hackman has died aged 95.

Hackman’s illustrious career spanned over six decades and earned him BAFTA wins for his work in Unforgiven, The French Connection and The Poseidon Adventure. pic.twitter.com/hwgqpff5sZ

— BAFTA (@BAFTA) February 27, 2025

Hackman is survived by his three adult children Christopher, Elizabeth and Leslie.

-with with Reuters, AP and PA.