Acting legend Gene Hackman and his wife Betsy Arakawa have been found dead at their home in New Mexico, as tributes flood in from the world of showbiz
Hollywood legend Gene Hackman, famous for his iconic role as Superman’s nemesis, has tragically passed away alongside his wife Betsy Arakawa at their home. The two-time Academy Award winner’s death was confirmed, along with that of his wife and their dog, at their New Mexico residence just after midnight on Thursday (February 27).
The news has sparked an outpouring of tributes from the celebrity world, with his Superman co-star Valerie Perrine leading the charge. Sharing a selection of images of their time together on screen, she wrote: “The great Gene Hackman has passed away. He was a genius and one of the greatest to grace the silver screen.
“I had the honour of working with him on Superman. His performances are legendary. His talent will be missed. Goodby my sweet Lex. Till we meet again.”
Comedian Dara O’Briain and TV presenter Lorraine Kelly are also among those paying their respects. Dara took to social media to write: “Ah, Gene Hackman. The finest screen actor ever, I think. Not a single duff performance, in a long, long career. And the best delivery ever of a single word: when he says ‘Cigars!’ In Young Frankenstein.”
Meanwhile, Lorraine shared her shock and sadness on Good Morning Britain, saying: “That is a real shocker, I was just reading about what an amazing actor he is, when you think of the movies that he’s been in… French Connection, everybody remembers that! Wonderful, wonderful film! I had no idea he was 95! That’s really, really sad.”
She continued: “He’s an absolute icon, brilliant. He was so funny in Birdcage… he could do drama, he could do comedy, he could do absolutely anything.”
Star Trek icon George Takei took to social media to honour the legendary actor Gene Hackman with a heartfelt tribute, praising his incredible talent, reports the Daily Record.
Takei expressed his admiration, writing: “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 forever.”
Piers Morgan also shared his condolences online, stating: “Acting legend Gene Hackman, 95, and his wife Betsy, 63, found dead in their Santa Fe home, along with their pet dog. Police say early reports do not suggest foul play. What an incredibly sad end to a remarkable life. RIP.”
Early indications from the Santa Fe New Mexican suggest there was no foul play involved in the deaths of Gene and Betsy. In a statement to local media, Sheriff Mendoza revealed that there were no signs of foul play, although the cause of death hasn’t been confirmed, nor the exact time the couple passed away.
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Source: Celebrities - dailystar.co.uk
