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, February 26.
The unusual circumstances have forced police to rule the death as “suspicious,” as they continue to investigate what caused the tragedy.
But on Sunday night, the Oscars focused on remembering the Hollywood icon, who took home two Academy Awards in his legendary career.
Freeman, who starred alongside Gene in the films Unforgiven and Under Suspicion, paid tribute to his former co-star and “dear 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.
GettyGene won two Oscars in his decades-long career[/caption] GettyGene in a scene of his iconic movie The French Connection[/caption]‘SUSPICIOUS’ DEATHS
Gene, Betsy, and one of their dogs were found dead in the 3.8 million home on February 27.
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, cops 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.
Cops 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.
Carbon monoxide and toxicology tests are still pending, officials added.
Police 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.”
One of the couple’s German Shepherds was found dead, while two other dogs survived, cops also confirmed.
Meanwhile, heartbreaking 911 audio has captured the moment a caretaker discovered the bodies.
GettyGene retired from Hollywood due to ‘stress’[/caption] GettyAuthorities are still investigating the ‘suspicious’ deaths[/caption] SplashGene and Betsy photographed for the last time in March 2024[/caption] Read More Details
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