• Gene Hackman was found dead at his New Mexico home
  • He starred in more 100 projects and won two Oscars
  • The internet has begun to pay their respects
Gene Hackman has died aged 95
Gene Hackman was a beloved Hollywood actor Credit: IMAGO

The news that Gene Hackman was found dead in his New Mexico home aged 95 has led to an outpouring of love for the actor. His body was discovered alongside his wife, Betsy Arakawa, and their dog. Authorities are investigating their deaths but do not suspect foul play.

Local authorities told ABC News that Hackman and his wife were found after a neighbour raised concern about their wellbeing.

A statement from the Santa Fe County Sherriff said, “We can confirm that both Gene Hackman and his wife were found deceased Wednesday afternoon at their residence on Sunset Trail.

Read more: Gene Hackman found dead in his New Mexico home

“This is an active investigation – however, at this time, we do not believe that foul play was a factor.”

Gene Hackman
Gene Hackman starred in The Royal Tenenbaums

The Royal Tenenbaums star was born in 1930, and after lying about his age to enlist in the army, he decided to pursue acting. Hackman went on to to rack up more than 100 credits throughout his career. His work was recognised many times by the Academy, and his role in the 1971 film The French Connection saw him win his first Oscar. He won again for playing Little Bill Daggett in the Clint Eastwood western Unforgiven in 1992.

What did the internet say about Gene Hackman after his passing?

Social media flooded with an outpouring of love for the man who played Lex Luther in the Christopher Reeve-led Superman movies of the 1970s and beyond.

“RIP Gene Hackman. He’ll never be forgotten,” one person wrote on X.

“Gene Hackman’s about as good as it gets, a legend. Could be playful, menacing, could still be so vulnerable under his gruff exterior and he never ever seemed like he was acting, a total natural. Incredible face, incredible hairline, they don’t create stars like him anymore. RIP,” one person wrote.

Another posted,”RIP Gene Hackman, prob my favourite ever actor. Mississippi Burning and The French Connection are absolute masterpieces.”

Many used Hackman’s own work to highlight what a talent he was

One person posted, “Gene Hackman, delivering his famous review of Eric Rohmer in Night Moves.”

Many praised his comedic timing as they paid respects to him.

Read more: How many Oscars did Gene Hackman win?

“He was, obviously, one of the all-time great dramatic actors, but Gene Hackman also had such an incredible sense of comedic timing: The Birdcage, Get Shorty, The Royal Tenenbaums, Heartbreakers, even his take on Lex Luthor was rich with the cheeky glint in his eyes,” someone wrote.

Did any famous faces pay tribute?

Star Trek legend George Takei offered his condolences to “one of the true giants” of the movie industry.

“We have lost one of the true giants of the screen. Gene Hackman could play anyone, and you could feel a whole life behind it. He could be everyone and no one, a towering presence or an everyday Joe. That’s how powerful an actor he was. He will be missed, but his work will live on forever,” he said.

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Clara Hill
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