Morgan Freeman Gives Heartbreaking Speech At Oscars In Tribute to Gene Hackman

Actor Morgan Freeman gave an emotional speech at the 97th Academy Awards in remembrance of the late Gene Hackman who was found dead with his wife Betsy Arakawa on Wednesday 26 February.

Hackman’s death is still being investigated

Gene Hackman, who died at 95 years old, and his wife Betsy Arakawa who was 63 were found dead at their home in Santa Fe, New Mexico on 26 February. 

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The couple’s deaths are still being investigated as they were found partly-mummified, having passed at least one week before they were found.

Their deaths were ‘suspicious enough’

While the sheriff’s office had initially said there was no foul play in their deaths as no external wounds were found on either of the bodies, investigators are still treating the deaths as ‘suspicious enough’ to investigate further, as per the search warrant.

Morgan Freeman paid tribute to Hackman

At the 97th Oscars on Sunday (March 2nd) Morgan Freeman paid tribute to his co-star and friend Gene Hackman during the ‘In Memoriam’ section of the show.

The two starred together in the 1992 classic Unforgiven and the 2000 movie Under Suspicion.

Freeman remembered Hackman’s talent

Freeman started, “This week, our community lost a giant. And I lost a dear friend, Gene Hackman. I had the pleasure of working alongside Gene on two films, Unforgiven and Under Suspicion. Like everyone who ever shared a scene with him, I learned he was a generous performer and a man whose gifts elevated everyone’s work.”

The actor recalled a phrase by Hackman

“Gene always said, ‘I don’t think about legacy. I just hope people remember me as someone who tried to do good work.’ I think I speak for us all when I say, ‘Gene, you will be remembered for that, and so much more.’ Rest in peace, my friend,” Freeman ended.

Hackman’s family released a statement

Following Hackman and Arakawa’s deaths, his daughters Elizabeth and Leslie, along with his granddaughter Annie released a statement through the New York Post.

They said: “It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of our father, Gene Hackman, and his wife, Betsy. He was loved and admired by millions around the world for his brilliant acting career, but to us he was always just Dad and Grandpa. We will miss him sorely and are devastated by the loss.”

The couple’s tragic deaths are still being investigated further. 

Last Updated on March 3, 2025 by Nour Morsy