Morgan Freeman delivered a heartfelt tribute to Gene Hackman at the 97th Academy Awards, honoring the legendary actor who passed away alongside his wife, Betsy Arakawa. The emotional speech came as part of the In Memoriam segment, where Freeman reflected on his longtime friend and co-star. The two had worked together on Unforgiven and Under Suspicion, and Freeman spoke of Hackman’s immense talent and generosity as a performer. “This week, our community lost a giant. And I lost a dear friend,” Freeman said, recalling Hackman’s humility and dedication to his craft.
Hackman, 95, was found deceased in his Santa Fe home, prompting an investigation into the circumstances surrounding his death. While authorities have stated there were no signs of external trauma, they have not ruled out foul play, citing enough irregularities to warrant further examination. His daughters, Elizabeth and Leslie, along with his granddaughter Annie, released a statement expressing their grief, saying that while the world knew Hackman as an acclaimed actor, to them, he was simply “Dad and Grandpa.”
Freeman’s tribute also included a poignant quote from Hackman himself: “I don’t think about legacy. I just hope people remember me as someone who tried to do good work.” The speech drew an emotional response from the audience, many of whom had long admired Hackman’s work in films such as The French Connection, Superman, and Mississippi Burning. Freeman closed by assuring his late friend, “Gene, you will be remembered for that, and so much more.”
As the industry mourns the loss of one of Hollywood’s greats, fans and colleagues continue to reflect on Hackman’s remarkable career. His passing, especially under uncertain circumstances, has left a deep impact on the film world. While investigations into his death continue, his influence on cinema remains undeniable, ensuring that his legacy will live on for generations to come.
