Oscars 2025: "I Lost A Dear Friend", Morgan Freeman's Full Eulogy For Gene Hackman's Recent Death

The Oscars this week have been filled with moments both humourous and emotional. Still, most people knew that the event would not be able to go on without addressing a major death of a Hollywood giant that occurred very recently.

Last week, famous Oscar-winning actor Gene Hackman, as well as his pianist wife Betsy Arakawa, and his dog were found dead in their home in Santa Fe, New Mexico. While an investigation is still currently ongoing, early autopsy results have revealed that there were no signs of external injuries on the bodies, and the causes of their death are still a mystery. Some have theorised, including their daughter Elizabeth Jean Hackman, that the cause of death may have been due to toxic fumes, but the police investigation is still determined to find out the real reason for the couple's deaths.

In order to pay respect to Gene Hackman's long career and successful life, Morgan Freeman went on-stage to give a beautiful eulogy for the deceased actor. He started off the eulogy by saying, "This week, our community lost a giant, and I lost a dear friend. Gene Hackman."

I had the pleasure of working alongside Gene on two films, 'Unforgiven' and 'Under Suspicion'," Freeman continued, "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. Gene always said 'I don't think about legacy, I just hope people remember me as someone trying to do good work'. So I think I speak for us all when I say, Gene, you'll be remembered for that and for so much more."

While the Oscars did not have much time to prepare for Gene Hackman's death, giving Morgan Freeman the opportunity to talk about him and share his grief with all of us was perhaps the best way the Academy could've gone about addressing his death.