Morgan Freeman delivers moving Oscars tribute to the late Gene Hackman

Acclaimed actor Morgan Freeman took to the stage at this year’s Oscars to deliver a heartfelt tribute to his “dear friend” and fellow screen icon, Gene Hackman.

Hackman sadly passed away at the age of 95, his death marking the end of an era for the entertainment world.

Hackman and his wife 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.

In a sombre moment during the usually celebratory Oscars ceremony, Freeman reflected on Hackman’s passing, praising the “giant” of the entertainment community.

“This week our community lost a giant, and I lost a dear friend, Gene Hackman,” Freeman said.

“Like everybody who has ever shared a scene with him, I learned he was a generous performer whose gifts elevated everyone’s work.

“He received two Oscars, but, more importantly, he won the hearts of film lovers all over the world.

“Gene always said: ‘I don’t think about legacy. I just hope people remember me as someone who tried to do good work.’ So I think I speak for us all when I say: Gene, you’ll be remembered for that — and for so much more.

“Rest in peace, my friend.”

Freeman and Hackman co-starred in 2000’s Under Suspicion and in the 1992 Clint Eastwood Western Unforgiven, the latter earning Hackman his second Oscar.

The moving tribute comes after authorities revealed they believe that Hackman may have died nine days before he and his wife, Betsy Arakawa, were found dead in their home.

New details suggest that Hackman’s pacemaker last sent a signal on February 17, according to a pathologist. Santa Fe County Sheriff Adan Mendoza shared this information during a press conference.

“It is a good assumption that was his last day of life,” Mendoza told reporters.

Despite this update, the cause of death for both Hackman and Arakawa has not been determined. Mendoza also noted that tests for carbon monoxide poisoning came back negative, and foul play has been ruled out.

-with AP.