Kevin Costner Honors Gene Hackman with Heartfelt Tribute

Kevin Costner Leads Emotional Tributes to Late Screen Legend Gene Hackman

Kevin Costner has paid heartfelt tribute to the late Gene Hackman, honoring the legendary actor’s “generosity and vulnerability.”

The 70-year-old actor reflected on the impact Hackman had on his life and career, expressing how “lucky” he felt to have worked alongside him on No Way Out and Wyatt Earp. Hackman, 95, was found dead at his home on Wednesday (February 26, 2025), alongside his wife, Betsy Arakawa, and one of their pet dogs.

Sharing a clip from a past interview, Costner recalled a moment on set when he had a disagreement with a director—only for Hackman to quietly support him afterward.

“Gene was the best actor I’ve ever worked with,” Costner said in the video. “He looked at me and said, ‘Hey, I went through a divorce, I’ve been doing a lot of questionable movies lately, and when I saw you fighting for what you wanted today, it reminded me of how I used to feel about acting. It was good what you did.’ And then he just got in his car and drove off.”

Alongside the video, Costner posted a message on Instagram:
“Gene Hackman was my favorite actor, and I was lucky enough to work with him more than once. Sharing a story that I told years ago with Richeisen—a moment with Gene that showed me that his generosity and vulnerability ran even deeper than his well of talent. This moment was probably small for him, but really huge for me.”

Other Hollywood figures also joined in remembering Hackman’s immense legacy.

Clint Eastwood, 94, who starred alongside Hackman in Unforgiven and Absolute Power, said he was “extremely saddened” by the news.
“He will be deeply missed,” Eastwood shared.

Director Francis Ford Coppola reflected on Hackman’s passing with both sorrow and admiration:
“The loss of a great artist is always a time for mourning and celebration. Gene Hackman was a magnificent and inspiring actor. I mourn his loss and celebrate his life and contribution.”

Ralph Fiennes honored Hackman with a simple black-and-white portrait captioned:
“Gene Hackman 1930–2025.”

Oscar-winner Viola Davis expressed her admiration, calling Hackman “one of the greats.”
“Loved you in everything! The Conversation, The French Connection, The Poseidon Adventure, Unforgiven—tough yet vulnerable. You were one of the greats. God bless those who loved you. Rest well, sir.”

Tom Hanks also offered a poignant message:
“There has never been a ‘Gene Hackman type.’ There has only been Gene Hackman.”