Gene Hackman’s close friend Morgan Freeman shares how star wanted to be remembered
Gene Hackman’s close friend Morgan Freeman shares how star wanted to be remembered
Gene Hackman, Monica Bellucci and Morgan Freeman at ‘Under Suspicions’ Cannes premiere in 2000 (Getty Images)

Morgan Freeman honored his “dear friend,” Gene Hackman, at the 97th Academy Awards.

“Well this week, our community lost a giant, and I lost a dear friend, Gene Hackman,” Freeman said. “I had the pleasure of working alongside Gene Hackman in two films – ‘Unforgiven and Under Suspicions.’

“And, like everyone whose ever filmed a scene with him, I learned he was a generous performer and a man whose gifts elevated everyone’s work.”

Freeman noted that Hackman earned two Oscars throughout his career, but “more importantly won the hearts of film lovers all over the world.”

He recalled his late friend saying he didn’t want to be remembered for his legacy, but that he hoped people remembered him “as someone who tried to do good work.”

“I think I speak for everyone when I say, Gene, you’ll be remembered for that and so much more. Rest in peace my friend,” Freeman said.

Hackman, along with his wife, Betsy Arakawa, were found dead in their home in Santa Fe, New Mexico, on Wednesday, Feb. 26. No foul play is suspected in their deaths, authorities said.