Tributes have begun pouring in for the late Gene Hackman and his wife, Betsy Arakawa.
Both Gene and Betsy, and their pet dog, were found dead at their New Mexico residence on February 26, 2025 (local time).
Investigations are currently ongoing although the Santa Fe County Sheriff has confirmed no foul play is suspected.
Prince William was one of the first to pay tribute to Gene and Betsy.
The future King of England took to X and wrote, “So sad to hear the news of the death of Gene Hackman and his wife Betsy. Hackman was a true genius of film who brought each and every character to life with power, authenticity and star quality.”
Similarly, Antonio Banderas Tweeted, “A very sad day for the cinema’s family. Gene Hackman and his wife Betsy Arakawa have passed away. My deepest condolences to friends, family and cinema lovers. RIP.”
Babra Streisand – who starred in the 1981 film All Night Long with Gene – took to Instagram to share a throwback picture.
“Gene Hackman was an incredible actor. He lived a long life and left an amazing legacy. May he rest in peace,” she captioned it.
Tom Hanks, Michelle Pfeiffer, and Gwyneth Paltrow all took to Instagram too.
Tom wrote, “There has never been a ‘Gene Hackman Type.’ There has only been Gene Hackman.”
Michelle wrote, “What a tremendous talent and tremendous loss for cinephiles everywhere. A true legend in cinema. Sending love and light to Gene and Betsy’s family.”
And Gwyneth simply posted a picture from the 2001 film The Royal Tenenbaums with a heartbroken emoji.
Furthermore, Clint Eastwood – who directed and starred with Gene in the 1992 film Unforgiven – said in a statement to Deadline:
“There was no finer actor than Gene. Intense and instinctive. Never a false note. He was also a dear friend whom I will miss very much.”
