Hollywood is shining its light on Gene Hackman.
After the heartbreaking news of the Oscar winning actor’s death at 95, alongside his wife Betsy Arakawa and their dog, his friends and former collaborators celebrated his legacy.
Francis Ford Coppola who directed Gene in the 1974 film The Conversation, paid tribute to the late actor’s storied career.
“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,” Francis wrote alongside a photo of him and Gene on Instagram Feb. 27. “I mourn his loss, and celebrate his existence and contribution.”
Antonio Banderas likewise honored both Betsy—who for her part, had a career as a classical pianist—and Gene.
“A very sad day for the cinema’s family,” Antonio wrote on X (formally known as Twitter) Feb. 27. “Gene Hackman and his wife Betsy Arakawa have passed away. My deepest condolences to friends, family and cinema lovers. RIP.”
