Morgan Freeman Honors Late Gene Hackman in Emotional Oscars Tribute
Hollywood came together in grief at the 97th Academy Awards as Morgan Freeman delivered a heartfelt tribute to legendary actor Gene Hackman, who passed away last week at the age of 95.
Hackman and his wife, Betsy Arakawa, were found deceased in their Santa Fe home, a shocking revelation that has left both the entertainment industry and his fans searching for answers. While early reports suggested there was no foul play, authorities have since deemed the circumstances surrounding their deaths “suspicious,” prompting further investigation.
Questions Surround Hackman’s Passing
As the news of Hackman’s death spread, fans and loved ones struggled to understand what had happened. His daughter, Elizabeth Jean Hackman, told TMZ that while the family was still awaiting official answers, they suspected carbon monoxide poisoning might have been a factor.
“The house was built in 2000, so it’s relatively modern,” Elizabeth explained. “We don’t know if there were any issues with gas leaks or if there had been any recent service calls to the property.”
However, investigations by the Santa Fe City Fire Department and the New Mexico Gas Company have so far ruled out any signs of a gas leak or carbon monoxide poisoning.
Authorities discovered Hackman’s body in a mudroom, while his wife was found in a nearby bathroom, next to a space heater. A search warrant detailed that an open prescription bottle and scattered pills were also present at the scene. Despite these findings, officials confirmed that neither Hackman nor Arakawa showed any signs of physical injuries or gunshot wounds.
A Hollywood Giant Remembered
Given Hackman’s illustrious career, it was only fitting that his peers took a moment to honor him during Hollywood’s biggest night. Among those who paid tribute was Morgan Freeman, who starred alongside Hackman in the Oscar-winning film Unforgiven (1992) and later reunited with him for Under Suspicion (2000), one of Hackman’s final on-screen performances before his retirement.
Freeman, visibly moved, addressed the audience at the Oscars, reflecting on his friend’s legacy.
“This week, our community lost a giant. And I lost a dear friend, Gene Hackman,” Freeman said, as reported by Variety. “I had the privilege of working with Gene on two films, Unforgiven and Under Suspicion. Like everyone who ever shared a scene with him, I learned that he was a generous performer—someone whose talent lifted everyone around him.”
Freeman then shared a quote from Hackman himself:
“Gene always said, ‘I don’t think about legacy. I just hope people remember me as someone who tried to do good work.’”
Pausing for a moment, Freeman then added:
“I think I speak for all of us when I say, ‘Gene, you will be remembered for that and so much more. Rest in peace, my friend.’”
A Hollywood Icon Gone But Never Forgotten
Hackman, a two-time Academy Award winner, left an indelible mark on the film industry with unforgettable performances in classics such as The French Connection, The Conversation, and Mississippi Burning. Though he retired from acting in 2004, his influence remains as strong as ever.
Morgan Freeman pays tribute to Gene Hackman before the #Oscars In Memoriam segment pic.twitter.com/lcQVzfXvvo
— The Hollywood Reporter (@THR) March 3, 2025
As investigations continue into the circumstances of his passing, one thing is certain—his legacy will live on through the countless performances that defined an era of cinema.
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