Several Hollywood figures have paid tribute to Gene Hackman on social media following the news of his passing.
It was reported that the legendary two-time Oscar winner passed away at the age of 95. He was found dead with his wife and their dog in their Santa Fe, New Mexico home. Authorities have launched an investigation into their deaths.
Hollywood Stars Pay Tribute to Gene Hackman
After news broke that Hackman and his wife passed away, Hollywood stars who worked with the late actor and/or fans of his work paid tribute to him on social media.
Josh Brolin wrote in his Instagram post that he was "crushed" by the sudden deaths of Hackman and his wife Betsy. He called him "one of my favorites" and "not many who beat to their own drums like he did."
Viola Davis called Hackman "one of the greats" and described his roles as "tough yet vulnerable" in a tribute to the late actor in her Instagram post.
Valerie Perrine, who co-starred with Hackman in the Superman films, shared that she "had the honor of working" with the late actor and called him a "genius" and "one of the greatest to grace the silver screen."
Francis Ford Coppola, who directed Hackman in the acclaimed 1974 film The Conversation, remembered the late actor as "a great actor, inspiring and magnificent in his work and complexity."
Michael Rosenbaum, who played Lex Luthor in Smallville following the footsteps of Hackman, posted a tribute by sharing his autograph where he wrote: "To the second best Lex Luthor."
Gene Hackman's Legendary Career
Hackman's legendary career spanned four decades with numerous iconic films and roles in his resume.
He won two Academy Awards for his iconic performance as Jimmy "Popeye" Doyle in The French Connection and the villainous sheriff "Little" Bill Daggett in Unforgiven.
He also starred in acclaimed films such as Bonnie and Clyde, The Poseidon Adventure, Young Frankenstein, Superman, A Bridge Too Far, Reds, Hoosiers, Mississippi Burning, The Firm, Get Shorty, The Birdcage, and The Royal Tenenbaums.
After making his last film in 2004, Hackman retired from acting and spent the rest of his life living quietly with his wife in Santa Fe, New Mexico.
His last known public sighting took place last year when paparazzi spotted him and his wife walking around Santa Fe.
In an interview with TMZ following his death, Hackman's daughter Elizabeth Jean Hackman revealed that he spent most of his retirement life painting and that his favorite film was The French Connection.
What is your favorite performance from Hackman? Let us know in the comments!
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