Gene Hackman mourned in Oscars tribute as friend Morgan Freeman chokes back tears days after actor and wife found dead
THE Academy Awards ceremony has paid tribute to Hollywood legend Gene Hackman as his former co-star Morgan Freeman mourns his late dear friend.
Gene, 95, and his wife, Betsy Arakawa, along with one of their dogs, were found dead in their New Mexico home on Wednesday.
The unusual circumstances have forced the Santa Fe County Sheriff’s Office to rule the death as “suspicious,” as they continue to investigate what caused the tragedy.
But on Sunday evening, the Academy Awards focused on remembering the Hollywood icon, as well as actors, filmmakers, and Hollywood-industry individuals who died over the past year during its Memoriam Segment.
Freeman, who starred alongside Gene in the films Unforgiven and Under Suspicion, paid tribute to his “dear friend.”
‘REST IN PEACE, MY FRIEND”
“This week, our community lost a giant, and I lost a dear friend, Gene Hackman,” Freeman said fighting back tears as the Dolby Theatre erupted in applause.
“I had the pleasure of working alongside Gene on two films – Unforgiven and Under Suspicion.
“Like everyone who has ever shared a scene with him, I learned he was a generous performer and a man whose gifts elevated everyone’s work.
“He received two Oscars, but more importantly, he won the hearts of film lovers all over the world.”
Freeman continued, “Gene always said, I don’t think about legacy, I just hope people remember me as someone who tried to do good work.
“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.”
REMEMBERING GENE
Gene had a vast film career that spanned decades.
Gene’s breakout role was Buck Barrow in Bonnie and Clyde in 1967.
He is known for starring in Superman movies, and hit films like Mississippi Burning and Unforgiven.
He played the supervillain Lex Luthor in Superman, Superman II and Superman IV: The Quest for Peace.
Gene also starred in the hit movies Runaway Jury, The French Connection, The Royal Tenenbaums, Unforgiven and The Conversation.
In 1972, he won the Best Actor Academy Award for his role as Jimmy “Popeye” Doyle in The French Connection years before appearing in the movie’s 1975 sequel.
In 1993, Hackman won the Best Supporting Actor Academy Award for his role in the western Unforgiven.
Hackman appeared in four westerns during the 1990s.
His final film appearance was in Welcome to Mooseport in 2004, where he played Monroe Cole.
In his decades-long career, he received five Academy Award nominations.
He won two BAFTA nominations and three Golden Globes.
Hackman was nominated for eight Golden Globe awards during his career.
A STELLAR CAREER
Hackman’s breakout moment was in Bonnie and Clyde in 1967, where he played Buck Barrow.
But, he was known for starring in Superman movies, and hit films like Mississippi Burning and Unforgiven.
He played the supervillain Lex Luthor in Superman, Superman II, and Superman IV: The Quest for Peace.
Hackman also starred in the hit movies Runaway Jury, The French Connection, The Royal Tenenbaums, Unforgiven, and The Conversation.
In 1972, he scooped the Best Actor gong for his role as Jimmy “Popeye” Doyle in The French Connection.
He appeared in the movie’s sequel in 1975.
In 1993, Hackman won the Best Supporting Actor award for his role in the western flick Unforgiven.
Hackman played Little Bill Daggett in the film that also starred Clint Eastwood, Morgan Freeman, and Anna Thomson.
Unforgiven scooped four Oscars, including Best Picture.
Hackman appeared in four westerns during the 1990s. The others were: Geronimo: An American Legend, Wyatt Earp, and The Quick and the Dead.
But, he also appeared on stage. Hackman’s last Broadway appearance came in 1992 when he played Roberto Miranda in the play Death and the Maiden.
When he quit acting, it was feared that the decision was linked to stress.
He admitted he struggled to balance family life with the glitz and glamour of Hollywood.
Hackman wasn’t just a film star; he starred in TV series such as Brenner and The F.B.I.
But after his final role, he left the bright lights of Hollywood and moved to New Mexico.
He was rarely spotted and liked to enjoy Wendy’s drive-thru meals.
In his later years, he suffered from minor health problems.
In 2012, Hackman was struck by a car when riding his bike.
He was rushed to a Miami hospital with serious injuries.
“Gene’s fine,” his agent Susan Madore said at the time as she downplayed any fears.
“Just a few bumps and bruises.”
The incident happened eight years after his final movie role.
And, it was just weeks before he turned 82.
FINAL YEARS
He retired from acting due to stress, as he revealed his struggle to balance family life and Hollywood.
In his final years, Gene lived a reclusive life with his wife in New Mexico.
Gene and Betsy lived in a $3.8 million mansion with their three dogs.
The actor remodeled the home on twelve acres of hilltop land with a 360-degree view.
The secluded home was renovated into a “part pueblo, part colonial New Mexico, part Spanish Baroque” property.
“It had a kind of magic in it,” Gene said in an interview with Architectural Digest. “It’s totally different from my other houses. The Montecito house was very formal.”
The couple was last photographed in March 2024 when he and Betsy were seen leaving a restaurant after dining out.
‘SUSPICIOUS’ DEATHS
Gene, Betsy, and one of their dogs were found dead in their 12-acre estate on Wednesday.
Gene was found fully clothed in a wet room off the kitchen, while Betsy was in a different bathroom.
The couple may have been dead for weeks, the Santa Fe County Sheriff’s Office said.
Investigations are ongoing into their cause of death with several possibilities still being looked at.
An early autopsy into the deaths of both Gene and Betsy showed they had no signs of external trauma.
Deputies are currently labeling their deaths as “suspicious” as the door to their home was found open with no sign of forced entry, according to an affidavit.
Sheriff officials said, “In the early hours of Thursday, February 27, 2025, Hackman and Arakawa were transported to the Office of the Medical Investigator.
“An autopsy was performed. Initial findings noted no external trauma to either individual.
“Carbon monoxide and toxicology tests were requested for both individuals.
“The manner and cause of death has not been determined.
“The official results of the autopsy and toxicology reports are pending. This remains an open investigation.”
Santa Fe County Sheriff officials previously suspected the couple may have died of carbon monoxide poisoning.
However, Gene and Betsy tested negative for carbon monoxide, Santa Fe County Sheriff Adan Mendoza revealed on Friday.
A toxicology report is still pending, officials added.
One of the couple’s German Shepherds was found dead, while two other dogs survived, deputies also confirmed.
Meanwhile, heartbreaking 911 audio has captured the moment a caretaker discovered the bodies.