Washington [US], February 28: The entertainment world is in shock following the death of legendary actor Gene Hackman. In response, actor and comedian Bill Murray has paid a heartfelt tribute to his late colleague, remembering Hackman as one of the greatest actors of his time. Hackman’s death was confirmed after his body was found in his home alongside his wife, Betsy Arakawa, and their dog.
Murray, who worked with Hackman in the 2001 film The Royal Tenenbaums, recalled Hackman’s tough reputation on set. “He was a tough nut, Gene Hackman, but he was really good, and he was really difficult,” Murray shared. He explained that Hackman had a reputation for being hard on young directors, specifically recalling how Hackman was “really rough” on director Wes Anderson during the making of the film. Murray, who also worked with Anderson on the project, said, “Older great actors do not give young directors much of a chance. They’re really rough on ’em.”
Murray also described watching Hackman do multiple takes for a scene, while another actor struggled. He recounted, “Gene was really rough on Wes, and I used to kind of step in there and just try to defend my friend.” The actor shared an amusing yet intense moment where Hackman delivered a flawless take, only for another actor to perform it correctly on the next try. Murray joked, “I thought Gene was gonna throw the guy off the ledge of the building.”
Despite Hackman’s tough demeanor, Murray made it clear that he had immense respect for his colleague. “He was a great one. He was a great actor,” Murray concluded.
Investigation Underway After Gene Hackman and His Wife Found Dead
The deaths of Hackman and his wife Betsy Arakawa are under investigation after their bodies were discovered in their Santa Fe home on Wednesday. Authorities have labeled the deaths “suspicious,” though there is currently no indication of foul play. The bodies were found by maintenance workers in separate areas of the home. Arakawa was found on the bathroom floor with an open pill bottle nearby, while Hackman was located in the mudroom, adjacent to the kitchen.
A dead dog was also discovered near Arakawa’s body, while two other dogs were found healthy on the property. Investigators have ruled out a gas leak or carbon monoxide poisoning after checks from fire department and gas company personnel.
The Santa Fe County Sheriff’s Office, which responded to the scene, reported no signs of forced entry. The bodies showed signs of decomposition, and the circumstances prompted authorities to seek a search warrant for the home. Autopsies have been conducted, confirming no traumatic injuries, but toxicology and carbon monoxide tests are still underway. The case continues to be under investigation as authorities work to determine the cause of death.