Morgan Freeman opened the annual In Memoriam segment at the
2025 Oscars by sharing kind words about his former co-star, Gene Hackman, who died last week.

Freeman addressed the Dolby Theatre audience in Hollywood by
saying, “This week, our community lost a giant — and I lost a dear
friend, Gene Hackman.”

Freeman continued, “I had the pleasure of working alongside Gene
on two films, Unforgiven and Under Suspicion, and 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.

He received two Oscars, but more importantly, he won the hearts
of film lovers all over the world.”

1992

2000

Gene Hackman left home at age 16, lied about his age
to enlist in the United States Marine Corps, and served
four and a half years as a field-radio operator. He was
stationed in China.   

Gone with the Wind won eight Academy Awards: Best Picture,
Actress (Vivien Leigh), Supporting Actress (Hattie McDaniel),
Art Direction (Lyle R. Wheeler), Color Cinematography (Ernest
Haller, Ray Rennahan), Directing (Victor Fleming), Film Editing
(Hal C. Kern, James E. Newcom) and Writing – Screenplay
(Sidney Howard).

Vivien Leigh during the 12th Academy Awards Oscar night.

On February 28, 1983, the celebrated sitcom M*A*S*H bowed
out after 11 seasons, airing a special two-and-a-half hour
episode watched by 77 percent of the television viewing
audience. It was the largest percentage ever to watch a
single TV show up to that time.

Eugene Allen Hackman
(January 30, 1930 – c.February 26, 2025)

American actor and novelist, widely regarded as one of the
greatest actors of his generation. Hackman gained widespread recognition for his breakthrough role as Buck Barrow in
"Bonnie and Clyde" (1967), which earned him his first
Academy Award nomination.

Hackman, his wife, and their dog were found dead at their home
in Santa Fe, New Mexico. He was 95.

An investigation into the deaths of the couple and their dog is
ongoing, according to Santa Fe police.