By Terry Zeller
Barbra Streisand led the heartfelt tributes to Gene Hackman following the legendary actor’s shocking death at age 93 on Wednesday.
Hackman—renowned for his roles in The French Connection and Unforgiven—was found dead alongside his 64-year-old wife Betsy Arakawa and their dog at their New Mexico home.
While the circumstances surrounding the tragedy remain unclear, officials have stated that no foul play is suspected at this time, though an investigation is ongoing.
Despite the lingering questions, Streisand took to Instagram to honor her All Night Long co-star, with whom she shared the screen in the 1981 comedy alongside Dennis Quaid and Diane Ladd.
‘Gene Hackman was an incredible actor. He lived a long life and left an amazing legacy. May he rest in peace,’ she wrote, sharing a still from their film.
Alec Baldwin, who appeared alongside Hackman in The Royal Tenenbaums, also paid tribute, posting a scene from the 2001 classic with the caption, ‘It doesn’t get any better than this… Love to Gene’s family.’
Barbra Streisand led the heartfelt tributes to Gene Hackman following the legendary actor’s shocking death at age 93 on Wednesday; (seen in 2023)
Despite the lingering questions, Streisand took to Instagram to honor her All Night Long co-star, with whom she shared the screen in the 1981 comedy alongside Dennis Quaid and Diane Ladd
‘Gene Hackman was an incredible actor. He lived a long life and left an amazing legacy. May he rest in peace,’ she wrote, sharing a still from their film
Screen siren Michelle Pfeiffer shared a photo of the beloved Hooosiers star, writing, ‘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.’
Viola Davis honored the Oscar-winning actor’s unforgettable screen presence, writing, ‘Loved you in everything! The Conversation, The French Connection, The Poseidon Adventure, Unforgiven—tough yet vulnerable. You were one of the greats. God bless those who loved you. Rest well, sir.’
Josh Brolin shared his devastation over the loss, posting, ‘I am crushed by the sudden deaths of Gene Hackman and his wife Betsy Arakawa (and their dog). Crushed.
‘He was always one of my favorites. Not many who beat to their own drums like he did. Rest in Peace.’
Antonio Banderas also mourned the Hollywood icon, calling it ‘a very sad day for the cinema’s family.’
He wrote, ‘Gene Hackman and his wife Betsy Arakawa have passed away. My deepest condolences to friends, family and cinema lovers. RIP.’
Director Francis Ford Coppola, who helmed the 1974 thriller The Conversation with Hackman in the lead role, paid tribute to the actor in an Instagram post.
‘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,’ he wrote.
Alec Baldwin , who appeared alongside Hackman in The Royal Tenenbaums, also paid tribute, posting a scene from the 2001 classic with the caption, ‘It doesn’t get any better than this… Love to Gene’s family’
Screen siren Michelle Pfeiffer shared a photo of the beloved Hooosiers star, writing, ‘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’
Josh Brolin shared his devastation over the loss, posting, ‘I am crushed by the sudden deaths of Gene Hackman and his wife Betsy Arakawa (and their dog). Crushed. ‘He was always one of my favorites. Not many who beat to their own drums like he did. Rest in Peace’
Director Francis Ford Coppola , who helmed the 1974 thriller The Conversation with Hackman in the lead role, paid tribute to the actor in an Instagram post
‘I mourn his loss, and celebrate his existence and contribution.’
Filmmaker Paul Feig honored Hackman in a tribute on X, calling him ‘an inspiration.’
‘So awful. Gene was such an inspiration to so many of us who love movies. So many brilliant roles,’ Feig wrote.
‘His performance in The Conversation alone changed the way I looked at acting and what actors could bring to a role. Such an amazing career. RIP Mr. Hackman.’
