Who did Gene Hackman play in Unforgiven? Actor mourned by co-star Clint Eastwood in emotional tribute

Gene Hackman, his wife Betsy Arakawa, and one of their dogs were found dead at their mansion in Santa Fe on the afternoon of February 26, 2025. The Guardian reported that the actor's body was discovered at an entrance, while his wife and their dog were found in a bathroom upstairs.

Investigaion has so far revealed there are no apparent signs of foul play but, according to a BBC report, the Santa Fe police department in their search warrant statement have said that the circumstances of the case are

"suspicious enough in nature to require a thorough search and investigation."

The exact time of their deaths remain unclear, but reports state that Betsy Arakawa's body

“showed obvious signs of death, body decomposition, bloating in her face and mummification in both hands and feet.” General Hackman's body aslo showed “similar and consistent with the female decedent.”

The statement also read:

"There was no indication of anything that was missing from the home or disturbed, you know, that would be indication that there was a crime that had occurred.”

The Hollywood legend was known for playing iconic characters on the big screen. One of his most notable performances was in Unforgiven, where he played the ruthless Sheriff, William 'Little' Bill Daggett, of a small midwestern town. His brilliant portrayal of a tyrannical lawman, who was constantly abused his power, earned him an Oscar in the Best Supporting Actor category at the 1993 Academy Awards ceremony.

Gene Hackman is survived by three children from his previous marriage to his first wife, Faye Maltese. His family have released a statement mourning Hackman, which reads:

"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.”

Clint Eastwood and other fellow actors mourn Gene Hackman's passing

Hollywood is mourning the loss of the legendary actor Gene Hackman, with tibutes pouring in to celebrate his unforgettable performances and lasting contribution to cinema. Fellow stars, have expressed condolences, including Clint Eastwood who paid tribute to his Unforgiven co-star, calling him an

"extraordinary talent and a dear friend."

In his statement, Eastwood, who also directed the celebrated western movie, said:

"There was no finer actor than Gene. Intense and instinctive. Never a false note."

He further said:

"He was also a dear friend whom I will miss very much."

In a 2012 interview with IndieWire, Eastwood praised Hackman, talking about how perfectly he played the notorious Sheriff. He said:

Sometimes I rehearse with the actors, sometimes I don't. Most actors have a pretty good idea coming to it, because it's what attracted them to the role. Some are extremely instinctive and grasp the character right on. A great example of that would be Gene Hackman in 'Unforgiven.' He had the character so perfect right out of the box on every shot, every sequence, and he really didn't have to do anything different — he was amazing

He added:

"Sometimes when I'm rehearsing for a camera move, the performance is so good that I just turn the camera on, not wanting to lose it."

British-American actor, Frances Fisher, who was his co-star in Unforgiven, also shared a touching tribute:

"Watching his work, and working with him was a master class. And when he was waiting for shots to be set up, he’d go to his notebook and sketch. He gave me a drawing of me as Strawberry Alice that I have framed above my desk. We all know Gene’s remarkable body of work. And it’s his humble quietude I hold in my heart."

Morgan Freeman, Hackman's other co-star in Unforgiven, wrote on X:

"One of the personal highlights of my career was bringing the French Film Gardé a Vue (Under Suspicion) to life with the incredibly gifted Gene Hackman. And of course... Unforgiven. Rest in peace, my friend." Freeman wrote.

Francis Ford Coppola, who directed Hackman in The Conversation, also paid tribute, saying:

"Gene Hackman a great actor, inspiring and magnificent in his work and complexity. I mourn his loss, and celebrate his existence and contribution."

Gene Hackman was a rare Hollywood talent who has left an indelible mark. He received several awards throughout his illustrious career, including the prestigious Cecil B. DeMille Award in 2003. His last screen appearance was in the 2004 film, Welcome to Mooseport, after which he has lead a quiet, retired life with his wife.