Oscars 2025: Ben Stiller pays heartfelt tribute to Gene Hackman; says, “He was the epitome of authenticity, charisma, and honesty”

March 3, 2025 - 10:38 AM IST

The 97th Academy Awards are currently taking place. During the ceremony, Ben Stiller took a moment to pay tribute to his late co-star Gene Hackman, who passed away last week at the age of 95.

Oscars 2025: Ben Stiller pays heartfelt tribute to Gene Hackman; says, “He was the epitome of authenticity, charisma, and honesty”

Ben, who starred alongside Hackman in the 2001 film The Royal Tenenbaums, remembered the iconic actor as a true “giant” in the film industry.

Speaking to People magazine on the red carpet, Stiller expressed his deep admiration for Hackman. He said, “He was one of my absolute favourite actors. Growing up, the films The French Connection, Scarecrow, all the way through Hoosiers, were such an influence. For me, he was the epitome of authenticity, charisma, and honesty.”

The two worked together in The Royal Tenenbaums, which also starred Gwyneth Paltrow, Luke Wilson, and Owen Wilson. Stiller portrayed Chas Tenenbaum, Hackman's on-screen son.

Gene and his wife, Betsy Arakawa, were found deceased at their Santa Fe home on Wednesday, along with their dog, according to police reports.

Authorities have opened an investigation into the deaths, though there is no suspicion of foul play at this time. The situation has been labelled “suspicious,” and a thorough inquiry is underway to determine the cause.

Hackman, 93, and his wife, 68, were found in separate areas of their home by two maintenance workers. Arakawa was discovered on the bathroom floor next to an open prescription pill bottle, while Hackman was located in the mudroom near the kitchen, with his sunglasses beside him. A deceased dog was found near Arakawa, while two other dogs were found alive on the property.

The investigation revealed no signs of forced entry, and emergency responders found no evidence of a gas leak or carbon monoxide issues. Detectives confirmed that the bodies showed signs of decomposition, with the couple appearing to have fallen to the ground. Arakawa's body exhibited signs of bloating and mummification, and Hackman's body showed similar indications.

The Santa Fe County Sheriff's Office has issued a search warrant for the home as they continue to investigate the circumstances surrounding the deaths. No traumatic injuries were found on either body, and toxicology and carbon monoxide tests are currently underway to help determine the cause.

Authorities are treating the deaths with suspicion, though no further details have been released. The investigation is still ongoing.

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