Francis Ford Coppola Leads Tributes to Gene Hackman After Oscar Winner Found Dead Alongside Wife: ‘Inspiring and Magnificent in His Work and Complexity’

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In a heartfelt acknowledgment, filmmaker Francis Ford Coppola expressed his condolences following the passing of Gene Hackman, who starred in “The Conversation,” at the age of 95, alongside his wife Betsy Arakawa, in their Santa Fe residence on Wednesday.

Losing a remarkable artist is always a time for both sadness and jubilation: Gene Hackman was indeed an extraordinary actor, filled with inspiration and grandeur in his performances and character. Coppola expressed this sentiment on Instagram alongside a picture of the two on set. ‘I grieve over his departure,’ he wrote, ‘but I also celebrate his life and the impact he made.’

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In “The Conversation,” directed by Coppola in 1974, Gene Hackman played Harry Caul, a professional in covert observation. This character grappled with an ethical predicament when his recordings suggested a looming murder. The film made its debut at the Cannes Film Festival and was awarded the Palme d’Or. Additionally, it earned three Academy Award nominations for Best Picture, Original Screenplay, and Sound.

On another note, I find myself reflecting on Gene Hackman just as Edgar Wright did – a truly remarkable actor he was. In the words of George Takai, “We’ve lost one of the cinematic titans. Gene Hackman could embody any character, and there was always a rich history to his portrayals. He was capable of being both an imposing figure and an ordinary man, demonstrating the incredible depth of his acting abilities. His absence will be deeply felt, yet his performances will continue to resonate for generations.

On Wednesday afternoon, it was reported that Hackman and Arakawa were found deceased at their residence in Santa Fe, New Mexico. The Santa Fe County Sheriff’s Office informed EbMaster of their passing, mentioning that there were no initial signs of suspicious circumstances. A specific cause of death couldn’t be determined at the time. Hackman was 95 years old, while Arakawa was 63.

During the latter half of the 20th century, Hackman was widely recognized as a remarkable screen actor. He earned Oscars for his roles as Jimmy “Popeye” Doyle in the 1971 action thriller “The French Connection,” directed by William Friedkin, and as an antagonistic sheriff in Clint Eastwood’s 1992 Western “Unforgiven.” He was also nominated for Academy Awards for his performances in “Bonnie and Clyde” (1967), “I Never Sang for My Father” (1970) and “Mississippi Burning” (1988). Additionally, he played Lex Luthor in the 1978 film “Superman” and its sequel “Superman II.” Hackman chose to retire from acting in 2004.

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2025-02-27 14:16