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“He won the hearts of film lovers all over the world,” Morgan Freeman remembers Gene Hackman
Gene Hackman, best known for his extraordinary portrayal of Jimmy “Popeye” Doyle in ‘The French Connection’ (1971), has passed away at the age of 95. Hackman, a beloved and respected actor, and his wife Betsy Hackman, 64, were found dead Wednesday at their home in Santa Fe, New Mexico. This had had been their home since the 1980s.
Santa Fe County Sheriff Adan Mendoza confirmed to The Santa Fe New Mexican that Gene Hackman and his wife were discovered dead at their Sunset Trail home on Wednesday afternoon. One of their dogs was also found passed, adding to the grief surrounding their loss.
Morgan Freeman, a close friend and co-star of Hackman, was among those who honored him. Freeman, known for his eloquent words, delivered a moving speech at the 2025 Oscars, celebrating Hackman’s lasting legacy.
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Morgan Freeman Says Goodbye to a ‘Dear Friend’ and Hollywood Legend
During Sunday’s Oscars, Gene Hackman was honored with a tribute introduced by his co-star, Morgan Freeman. The speech took place just before the ceremony’s in memoriam segment, which recognized those from the industry who passed away in the last year.
“This week, our community lost a giant. And I lost a dear friend, Gene Hackman,” Freeman started his speech by saying. “I had the pleasure of working alongside gene on two films, ‘Unforgiven’ and ‘Under Suspicion.’ Like everyone who ever shared a scene with him, I learned he was a generous performer and a man whose gifts elevated everyone’s work.”
“Gene always said, ‘I don’t think about legacy. I just hope people remember me as someone who tried to do good work,’” Freeman continued. “I think I speak for us all when I say, ‘Gene, you will be remembered for that, and so much more.’ Rest in peace, my friend.”
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‘Unforgiven’ (1992): Gene Hackman’s Sheriff “Little” Bill Daggett isn’t just a great Western villain—he’s one of the most fascinatingly layered foes in film history. Initially turning down the role over concerns about the film’s violence, Hackman was convinced by Clint Eastwood, who emphasized its anti-violence message. The result? A performance so chillingly effective that it won Hackman his second Oscar. Hackman would later revisit the role of a ruthless Western sheriff in ‘The Quick and the Dead’ (1995), almost like a spiritual sequel. For all the brilliant characters he brought to life, ‘Unforgiven’ goes down as one of his absolute iconic performances—a masterclass in controlled threat, authority, and tragic egotism.
‘Young Frankenstein’ (1974): Gene Hackman’s cameo in ‘Young Frankenstein’ (1974) is one of those moments that totally steals the show, even though he’s only on screen for a few minutes. But that’s exactly the power Hackman has… stealing the show in one singular scene. As the blind hermit, Hackman brings a mix of chaos and charm that’s hard to forget. His scene with Gene Wilder’s Dr. Frankenstein is pure comedy gold—his character seamlessly transitions from confusion to sudden, comically disastrous outbursts, all with perfect timing. The way he flips from calm to wild in a second is a masterclass in physical comedy. In a film full of comedic heavyweights, Hackman’s small role still manages to be a standout, showing just how talented he was making even the briefest moments unforgettable.
‘Crimson Tide’ (1995): Gene Hackman and Denzel Washington go head-to-head in a gripping battle of wills aboard a Navy submarine, where a set of incomplete orders to launch nuclear warheads starts an intense battle for control. Hackman takes the screen as the hard-nosed captain, exuding unwavering authority, while Washington’s role challenges him with calculated defiance. Their escalating conflict is the heartbeat of Tony Scott’s masterpiece of a suspense, with every exchange charged with intensity.
‘Hoosiers’ (1986): When compiling a list of Gene Hackman’s most unforgettable films, this one immediately comes to mind. Hackman’s brilliance in the film lies in his ability to effortlessly combine complexity and depth into his character. He has such a unique talent for making his roles feel both relatable and mysterious, drawing audiences in with his dramatic and raw reactions. While this may not be the role Hackman is most widely known or credited for, it’s certainly one of his most compelling, proving a different side of his wide-spread talent.
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A Master of the Screen, A Legacy That Lives On
“Gene always said, I don’t think of legacy. I just tell people remember me as someone who always tried to do good work.”… and good work he did.
Gene Hackman was just one of those actors that really changed Hollywood for the better. He was a no-nonsense, multi-talented, and intensely raw actor known for playing commanding, rugged, and morally complex characters. His performances often carried a sense of understated power, stamina, and authenticity, making his roles have that human connection rather than exaggerated depictions.
Hackman often played lawmen (‘The French Connection’, ‘Mississippi Burning’), criminals (‘The Heist’), or military figures (‘Crimson Tide’). He was rarely purely good or evil; his characters had flaws, making them more vulnerable (‘Unforgiven, The Conversation’). Even in reserved roles, he carried an air of confidence and authority.
He didn’t rely on flashy acts or dramatic emotions. Instead, he acted with a quiet intensity. He was never just acting for the sake of acting; you could actually feel the authenticity play out in each role. Even when playing villains, he was always compelling to watch.
Hackman had a rare ability to disappear into his roles while still keeping a vastly different, commanding screen presence. Whether playing a relentless cop, a heartless sheriff, or a faltering patriarch, he always put on a performance that felt powerful, grounded, and deeply human.
Over his four decade long career, he received two Academy Awards, two BAFTA Awards, three Golden Globe Awards, and a Screen Actors Guild Award.
Starting with winning his first Academy Award for Best Actor for his performance as New York City Police Detective Jimmy “Popeye” Doyle in William Friedkin’s, ‘The French Connection’ (1971). His second for Best Supporting Actor in Clint Eastwood’s Western film, ‘Unforgiven’ (1992), for his role as a menacing Sheriff.
He was also Oscar-nominated for three other roles. Buck Barrow in the crime drama ‘Bonnie and Clyde’ (1967); a college professor in ‘I never Sang for My Father’ (1970); and an FBI agent in the drama ‘Mississippi Burning’ (1988).
He continued his award winning streak with two Golden Globes for ‘The French Connection’ and ‘Unforgiven’ as well as the Golden Globe Award for Best Actor – Motion Picture Musical or Comedy for his comedic role as the family patriarch in the Wes Anderson comedy-drama film ‘The Royal Tenenbaums’ (2001).
Gene Hackman won two BAFTA Awards for Best Actor in a Leading Role—one for ‘The French Connection’ (1971) and another for ‘The Conversation’ (1974).
Gene Hackman won a Screen Actors Guild Award for Outstanding Actor in a Supporting Role in a Motion Picture for his performance in ‘Unforgiven’ (1992).
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From Underdog to Icon
Hackman began his acting path after falsely claiming he was older to join the U.S. Marine Corps at 16, where he served for five years. In 1956, he moved to California to attend the Pasadena Playhouse, where he struck up a friendship with fellow actor-in-training Dustin Hoffman.
The two, ironically enough, were voted “Least Likely to Succeed” by their peers. It was later revealed that the main reason for this judgment was their unconventional looks and age for acting students, rather than their actual talent. Sadly, this is a common reality in many industries. Hackman and Hoffman would later each win two Academy Awards.
The man could steal any movie with just one scene. He had immense talent, undeniable charisma, and something special that made him unforgettable. His legacy will continue to shape the future of Hollywood.
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Emma Gladstone is an entertainment journalist dedicated to offering a fresh perspective in today’s media landscape. As a content writer for The Hollywood Insider, her goal is to serve as a break from negativity by focusing on positive, human-centered angles that uplift and inspire. Writing reviews and feature stories for The Hollywood Insider, Emma celebrates the transformative and authentic power of reporting, to promote meaningful change and substance in media. Her passion for global entertainment fuels her writing, creating stories that educate, empower, and resonate deeply with readers. Emma is truly thrilled to be writing for The Hollywood Insider, as their values align closely with hers.
Emma Gladstone is an entertainment journalist dedicated to offering a fresh perspective in today’s media landscape. As a content writer for The Hollywood Insider, her goal is to serve as a break from negativity by focusing on positive, human-centered angles that uplift and inspire. Writing reviews and feature stories for The Hollywood Insider, Emma celebrates the transformative and authentic power of reporting, to promote meaningful change and substance in media. Her passion for global entertainment fuels her writing, creating stories that educate, empower, and resonate deeply with readers. Emma is truly thrilled to be writing for The Hollywood Insider, as their values align closely with hers.
