The information that actor Gene Hackman and spouse Betsy Arakawa have been found dead at their residence in Santa Fe has shocked the trade and led to widespread tributes for “one of many true greats” of cinema.
The 95-year-old Hollywood legend received Oscars for The French Connection (1971) and Unforgiven (1992), and was additionally Oscar-nominated for roles in Bonnie and Clyde (1967), I By no means Sang for My Father (1970), and Mississippi Burning (1988).
Francis Ford Coppola, who directed Hackman in 1974 traditional The Dialog, posted on Instagram: “The lack of a fantastic artist, at all times trigger for each mourning and celebration: Gene Hackman a fantastic actor, inspiring and luxurious in his work and complexity. I mourn his loss, and have a good time his existence and contribution.”
Actor George Takei known as Hackman “one of many true giants”: “We have now misplaced one of many true giants of the display screen. Gene Hackman might play anybody, and you can really feel a complete life behind it. He might be everybody and nobody, a towering presence or an on a regular basis Joe. That’s how highly effective an actor he was. He can be missed, however his work will reside on endlessly.”
Child Driver director Edgar Wright merely described Hackman as “the best…” in a put up to X.
European movie and TV studio Studiocanal wrote on social media: “What a colossal loss for cinema at this time. Massively saddened by the passing of one of many true greats – Gene Hackman. We ship our deepest condolences.”
Presenter Piers Morgan said on social media: “Gene Hackman was one of many all-time nice actors and sensible in every little thing he ever did from French Connection and Unforgiven to Mississippi Burning, The Dialog and Superman. We’ve misplaced an enormous of the large display screen.”
In a put up on X, BAFTA mentioned it was “saddened” to listen to of the demise of the three-time BAFTA winner and famous his “illustrious” profession.
Irish comic and TV presenter Dara Ó Briain posted to X: “Ah, Gene Hackman. The best display screen actor ever, I feel. Not a single duff efficiency, in a protracted, lengthy profession. And the most effective supply ever of a single phrase: when he says “Cigars!” In Younger Frankenstein.”
Extra reactions as we’ve them…
