Oscars 2025: Morgan Freeman Pays Tribute to His ‘Friend’ Gene Hackman: ‘I Speak For Us All When I Say…’

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On the evening of Sunday, March 2, 2025, Morgan Freeman paid tribute to the late Gene Hackman during the In Memoriam segment at the Academy Awards. He began by acknowledging that the movie industry had suffered a significant loss with the passing of this great figure.

Ever since I got wind that my beloved idol, the legendary Leland Hackman, aged 95, and his radiant wife Betsy Arakawa, at 65, were discovered lifeless in their tranquil Santa Fe, New Mexico abode last week, a gnawing curiosity has been eating away at me like a relentless cinematic villain. The enigma surrounding the circumstances of their demise has been the talk of Tinseltown, with speculations running rampant ever since their mummified remains were discovered by authorities, hinting at an agonizingly prolonged farewell that may have transpired days prior.

In 1992, Freeman and Hackman starred together in the Western movie “The Unforgiven,” which earned Hackman his second Academy Award. Their partnership extended to the 2000 suspenseful film “Under Suspicion.

In every instance where I worked alongside him, it became clear that Hackman was an exceptionally generous performer and a man whose talents significantly enhanced everyone’s contributions. At 87 years old, Hackman expressed this sentiment: he didn’t ponder his legacy but hoped to be remembered as a person who strived for quality work. Referring to him fondly as a cherished friend, the actor made this observation.

I believe it’s safe to say on behalf of everyone here, Gene, your achievements will not only be remembered but also greatly admired for years to come,” Freeman expressed.

In a short time span, the organizers of the Oscars were faced with the challenge of paying tribute to one of the giants in cinema. On Wednesday, as reported by The New York Times, the body of actor Gene Hackman was found in his home’s mudroom, near his walking cane and sunglasses. Tragically, his wife’s lifeless body was discovered in a bathroom, with an open prescription bottle nearby and pills strewn across the countertop.

According to a report from the Santa Fe sheriff and an affidavit by a detective, it appears that both Hackman and Arakawa were deceased as their bodies showed signs consistent with decomposition, on February 17 for Hackman, and no specific date was mentioned for Arakawa.

At present, an examination is being conducted to establish a sequence of events. The authorities are said to be questioning the people close to the couple, while they patiently wait for the results of toxicology tests and autopsies.

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2025-03-03 06:37