- 2025 Oscars paid tribute to Gene Hackman
- Iconic Hollywood star recently passed away alongside wife Betsy Arakawa
- Actor Morgan Freeman saluted his ‘dear friend’
A Gene Hackman Oscars tribute saw the iconic actor remembered by his friend and colleague Morgan Freeman.
The 87-year-old Freeman said he’s lost a “dear friend”. He added that Hackman “won the hearts of film-lovers all over the world.”
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Hackman, his wife Betsy Arakawa and the family dog were all found dead at the star’s Sante Fe home earlier this month. An exact cause of death has yet to be identified.
Freeman starred alongside Hackman twice during his career, with their first collaboration being 1993’s Clint Eastwood Western Unforgiven. The pair re-teamed in 2000 for the thriller Under Suspicion, directed by British filmmaker Stephen Hopkins.
Speaking during the 97th Academy Awards ceremony, The Shawshank Redemption actor explained that “This week, our community lost a giant and I lost a dear friend, Gene Hackman.”
He continued, adding “I had the pleasure of working alongside Gene on two films, Unforgiven and Under Suspicion and like everyone who ever shared a scene with him, I learned he was a generous performer and a man who’s gifts elevated everyone’s work.
Read more: Gene Hackman and wife likely dead 10 days before bodies found
“He received two oscars but more importantly he won the hearts of film lovers all over the world.”
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Freeman’s tribute to Hackman’s life and legacy was short but sweet and very much to the point.
He ended his memorial by reminding us how Hackman would have wanted to be remembered by audiences and fans across 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,” explained the Hollywood icon.
“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.”
Gene Hackman and Betsy Arakawa cause of death
Following the discovery of Hackman and Arakawa’s bodies, authorities are still trying to figure out an exact cause of death.
According to new reports, Hackman and his wife were discovered in separate rooms and seemed to have been dead for “some time.”
Despite these mysterious circumstances, authorities have revealed that there was “no external trauma” found during a preliminary medical examination.
Further details confirmed that Hackman’s pacemaker was believed to have stopped 10 days prior to his discovery.
“An initial interrogation was conducted of Mr Hackman’s pacemaker. This revealed that his last event was recorded on February 17, 2025, I was advised that a more thorough investigation will be completed,” explained Sheriff Adan Mendoza.
He added that it was “a very good assumption, that that was his last day of life.”
