Oscars 2025: Morgan Freeman Tears Up While Paying Tribute To ‘Dear Friend’ Gene Hackman Days After His Suspicious Death

Oscars In Memoriam: Like every year, the Academy Awards honored the passed away legends of the industry. This year, Gene Hackman was been honored at the 2025 Oscar ceremony at Dolby Theatre in Los Angeles. The late actor received a special tribute from longtime friend and former costar Morgan Freeman during the ceremony as his death news came four days ago.

Morgan Freeman pays heartfelt tribute to his friend Gene Hackman at the 2025 Oscars

Morgan Freeman tearfully paid tribute to his friend Gene Hackman after the Royal Tenenbaums actor’s death shocked Hollywood earlier this week.

During the 2025 Oscars on Sunday, Freeman reflected on Hackman’s life and career, saying, “This week, our community lost a giant, and I lost a dear friend, Gene Hackman. “I had the pleasure of working with Gene on two films, ‘Unforgiven’ and ‘Under Suspicion.’ Like everyone who shared a scene with him, I discovered he was a generous performer, a man whose talent elevated everyone’s work.”

Freeman, 87, added, “He won two Oscars, but more importantly, he captured the hearts of film lovers around the world. Gene always said, ‘I don’t think about legacy, I just hope people remember me as someone who tried to do good work.’ “So, I believe I speak for all of us when I say, ‘Gene, you will be remembered for that and so much more.

Also Read: Dead For Weeks? Sheriff Shares Chilling Details Of Gene Hackman, Betsy Arakawa's Mysterious Deaths

Gene Hackman and his wife Betsy Arakawa’s death controversy

On Feb. 27, legendary actor and his wife, Betsy Arakawa, had been found dead in their New Mexico home along with their pet dog, as per AP.

The actor’s family initially suggested carbon monoxide poisoning as the cause of death, but the Santa Fe County Sheriff’s Office stated they did not suspect foul play. Later, however, the police reconsidered and labelled the case “suspicious enough in nature to require a thorough search” after a report indicated the front door of the residence was found unsecured and open.

During their investigation, authorities seized three types of medications, two green mobile phones, a 2025 monthly planner, and MyQuest records—a medical diagnostics service—as detailed in the search warrant inventory. At a press conference on Friday, Santa Fe County Sheriff Adan Mendoza announced that “both individuals tested negative for carbon monoxide.” He also revealed that Hackman’s pacemaker had stopped recording his heart’s activity on 17 February, just over a week before their bodies were discovered.