Gene Hackman dies: Stars react to actor’s death, what he left behind

Hollywood is mourning the unexpected death of Gene Hackman.

Hackman, his wife, Betsy Arakawana, and their dog were found dead in their Santa Fe home on Wednesday. No cause of death has been released but foul play was not suspected, The Associated Press reported.

They were found when deputies conducted a welfare check at the home around 1:45 p.m. local time, the Santa Fe County Sheriff’s Office said.

Hollywood remembered Hackman and the slate of films he left behind.

Clint Eastwood released a statement to USA Today, writing, “There was no finer actor than Gene. Intense and instinctive. Never a false note. He was also a dear friend whom I will miss very much.” Eastwood directed and co-starred with Hackman in “Unforgiven.”

Morgan Freeman, who worked with Hackman in both “Unforgiven” and “Under Suspicion” called their time together “one of the most personal highlights of my career.”

Valerie Perrine, who played Lex Luthor’s girlfriend in “Superman” said Hackman was a “genius.”

Nathan Lane, who starred alongside him in “The Birdcage” released a statement, which read according to USA Today, “Getting to watch him up close it was easy to see why he was one of our greatest. You could never catch him acting. Simple and true, thoughtful and soulful, with just a hint of danger. He was as brilliant in comedy as he was in drama and thankfully his film legacy will live on forever. It was a tremendous privilege to get to share the screen with him and remains one of my fondest memories. Rest in peace, Mr. Hackman.”

“The Birdcage” co-star Hank Azaria said working with him was “an honor and an education.”

“The Royal Tenenbaums” co-stars Gwyneth Paltrow posted an image of Hackman along with a broken heart emoji, while Bill Murray called him a “tough nut,” telling the AP, “But he was really good. And he was really difficult. Older, great actors do not give young directors much of a chance. They’re really rough on them, and Gene was really rough on Wes (Anderson).”

Francis Ford Coppola, who directed Hackman in 1974′s “The Conversation,” wrote on Instagram, “The loss of a great artist, always cause for both mourning and celebration: Gene Hackman a great actor, inspiring and magnificent in his work and complexity. I mourn his loss, and celebrate his existence and contribution.”

Edgar Wright called Hackman “the greatest” on social media.

George Takai called Hackman “one of the true giants,” Variety reported.

Piers Morgan said Hackman “was one of the all-time great actors and brilliant in everything he ever did,” Deadline reported.

BAFTA called Hackman’s career “illustrious,” Sky News reported.

Josh Brolin wrote on Instagram “He was always one of my favorites. Not many who beat to their own drums like he did. Rest in Peace.”

Viola Davis wrote “Loved you in everything!”

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