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Gene Hackman Dead at 95: Francis Ford Coppola and More Pay Tribute

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Gene Hackman, Wife Betsy Arakawa and Dog Found Dead in Santa Fe Home

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.”

And the Mask of Zorro star wasn’t alone in recognizing the legacy Gene is leaving behind.

British filmmaker Edgar Wright honored Gene in a repost shared on X Feb. 27 writing, alongside an image of the Superman actor, “The greatest…”

Star Trek star George Takei remembered Gene as a “giant” in film, writing on X Feb. 27, "Gene Hackman could play anyone, and you could feel a whole life behind it. He could be everyone and no one, a towering presence or an everyday Joe. That’s how powerful an actor he was. He will be missed, but his work will live on forever.”

Gene and Betsy, 64, were found dead inside of their Santa Fe, New Mexico, home on Feb. 26.

Foul play is not suspected as a factor in those deaths at this time however exact cause of death has not been determined," authorities said in a Feb. 27 statement to NBC News. "This is an active and ongoing investigation by the Santa Fe County Sheriff’s Office."

Ron Galella/Ron Galella Collection via Getty Images

Among his length filmography were roles in The French Connection, Superman, Hoosiers and Crimson Tide. After a decades-long career, Gene stepped away from the spotlight after his last big screen appearance in 2004’s Welcome to Mooseport. Off screen, Gene lived a private life alongside Betsy—whom he married in 1991.

Gene is survived by his three children, Christopher, Elizabeth and Leslie, whom he shared with his first wife Faye Maltese.

Keep reading to look back on Gene’s legendary life and career…

Image/Getty Images

1965

Michael Ochs Archives/Getty Images

1969

Getty Images

1971

Tony Korody/Sygma/Sygma via Getty Images

1974

Fairchild Archive/WWD/Penske Media via Getty Images

1976