Francis Ford Coppola, Josh Brolin, Viola Davis, and more Hollywood icons have shared tributes to . 

On Wednesday, February 26, 2025, Hackman, along with his wife, Betsy Arakawa, and dog, were found dead in their home in Santa Fe, New Mexico. The cause of death has not been provided, though no four play is said to be expected. Hackman was 95.

Following the tragic news, many Hollywood stars and directors are paying tribute to the late Hackman.

Coppola, who directed Hackman in 1974’s The Conversation, wrote on Instagram, “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. I mourn his loss, and celebrate his existence and contribution.”

Brolin said, “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.”

Davis wrote, “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.”

“We have lost one of the true giants of the screen,” wrote George Takei. “Gene Hackman could play anyone, and you could feel a whole life behind it. He could be everyone and no one, a towering presence or an everyday Joe. That’s how powerful an actor he was. He will be missed, but his work will live on forever.”

View below to see more posts on social media honoring Hackman:

We have lost one of the true giants of the screen. Gene Hackman could play anyone, and you could feel a whole life behind it. He could be everyone and no one, a towering presence or an everyday Joe. That’s how powerful an actor he was. He will be missed, but his work will live on… pic.twitter.com/OfmXVCG0jt

— George Takei (@GeorgeTakei) February 27, 2025

So awful. Gene was such an inspiration to so many of us who love movies. So many brilliant roles. 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. https://t.co/vBfgOmGgQT

— Paul Feig (@paulfeig) February 27, 2025

Gene Hackman – what a life! So strong and such presence in every role. We salute you. You made a deep mark on the world of cinema. Now sleep well https://t.co/YtPwFxMXLr

— Eddie Izzard (@eddieizzard) February 27, 2025

https://twitter.com/MichaelChiklis/status/1895081246918615512

Condolences to the Family of Gene Hackman. ?

— William Shatner (@WilliamShatner) February 27, 2025

Gene Hackman was truly one of the greatest screen actors of all time. He almost never hit a false note. Always mesmerizing. Rest in Peace, Gene. My favorite Gene Hackman movies:The ConversationUnforgivenNight MovesBonnie & ClydeThe French ConnectionSupermanMississippi Burning

— James Gunn (@jamesgunn.bsky.social) 2025-02-27T17:17:36.781Z

ComingSoon sends condolences to Hackman’s family and friends during this time.