Gene Hackman tributes: Tom Hanks and Michelle Pfeiffer lead stars after actor's death

The entertainment world is in mourning after the sudden passing of legendary actor Gene Hackman and his wife, Betsy Arakawa.

Confirmations from the police emerged Wednesday concerning the couple's death at their Santa Fe, New Mexico home, where Hackman, aged 95, his 65-year-old wife Betsy, and their pet dog were found.

Tributes have been flooding in for the Hollywood icon who boasted a trophy case featuring two Oscars, two BAFTAs, four Golden Globes, and a Screen Actors Guild Award from a career spanning sixty years.

• Gene Hackman and wife's full autopsies to take weeks after disturbing discovery
• Gene Hackman's net worth as Hollywood icon found dead alongside wife

Fellow Oscar laureate Tom Hanks commemorated Hackman's unique presence on screen, stating, "There has never been a 'Gene Hackman Type.' There has only been Gene Hackman."

Jeanne Tripplehorn, Hackman's co-star in The Firm, expressed deep admiration for him, extolling his incomparable skill and warm-heartedness.

On Instagram, she shared: "He will always have a place in my heart for being not only the best actor one could ever hope to work with but a gentle man who was a source of quiet strength and kindness when I needed it the most," and continued with high praise, "I cherish our time together. Blessed beyond words. We will never see the likes of him again."

Michelle Pfeiffer, once considered alongside Hackman for lead roles in The Silence Of The Lambs, lamented on Instagram: "What a tremendous talent and tremendous loss for cinephiles everywhere. A true legend in cinema. Sending love and light to Gene."

Matt Dillon, who starred as Hackman's son in the thriller Target, praised his co-star as "a master". Dillon revealed: "I learned so much from him. Before a scene he would tell me – 'Fill up.'"

DON'T MISS...

Gene Hackman's biggest film roles he turned down from Hannibal Lecter to Jaws [INSIGHT]

Wheel of Fortune album Pat Sajak's Oscars 'quick fix' after Kevin Hart scandal [NEWS]

Jane Fonda unearthed clip leaves fans saying same thing about 'icon' [LATEST]

Barbra Streisand, Hackman's co-star in the romantic comedy All Night Long, wrote: "Gene Hackman was an incredible actor. He lived a long life and left an amazing legacy. May he rest in peace."

Mel Brooks, director of Young Frankenstein, reflected: "I was privileged to know Gene Hackman because he played tennis with another Gene - Gene Wilder. And that Gene told him about a little role called The Blind Hermit in our movie Young Frankenstein. He said, 'Do you think Mel would let me play it? I've always wanted to do a comedy.' Needless to say, I was over the moon and he was perfect."

Gwyneth Paltrow, known for Iron Man, acknowledged Hollywood's loss by posting a picture of herself and Hackman from the 2001 Wes Anderson-comedy The Royal Tenenbaums, without any caption. Hank Azaria, Hackman's co-star in the comedy The Birdcage, described working with him as "an honour and an education."

Josh Brolin, star of No Country For Old Men and Avengers, expressed his grief over the sudden loss on Instagram, writing: "He was always one of my favourites. Not many who beat to their own drums like he did. Rest in peace."

In an emotional Instagram post, Melora Hardin, known for her memorable role on The Office, paid homage to the esteemed Gene Hackman with whom she shared screen space in the thriller Absolute Power. "His mastery of the craft was truly inspiring, and acting alongside him was both exhilarating and deeply rewarding," Melora poured out her admiration for the iconic actor.

Recalling Hackman's courteous demeanor, she said, "He carried himself with such grace - always respectful, always generous. I'll never forget the way he offered his hand to help me up, the small yet thoughtful gestures, like ensuring my comfort in that intense and electrifying scene we shared."

She spoke further about his character: "Beyond his immense talent, Gene was a true gentleman - a warm, funny, and kind soul. He always made sure I had a place next to him at lunch, making every moment on set feel special. He adored his wife, and I have no doubt their love endures beyond this life."

Hackman's prolific career kicked off following his stellar performance in 1967's Bonnie And Clyde, clinching him an Oscar nomination for best supporting actor. His exceptional work garnered additional Oscar nominations for his performances in I Never Sang For My Father (1970) and Mississippi Burning (1988).

Gene Hackman's legendary performance as Lex Luthor in the 1978 Superman film introduced him to a new wave of admirers, and he continued to capture audiences in the movie's sequels. He snagged his first Oscar for Best Actor with his portrayal of Jimmy "Popeye" Doyle, the relentless, tough New York cop in The French Connection directed by William Friedkin.

Two decades on, Hackman clinched another Oscar, this time for Best Supporting Actor for playing Sheriff "Little" Bill Daggett in Clint Eastwood's western Unforgiven from 1992. Hackman's illustrious career includes working with Hollywood elites like Al Pacino in Scarecrow (1973) and Warren Beatty and Diane Keaton in Reds (1981).

His swan song in cinema was the 2004 comedy Welcome to Mooseport, after which he pivoted towards writing, culminating in the release of his novel Pursuit in the 2010s.