**Gene Hackman’s Daughters and Granddaughter Reflect on His Legacy: ‘He Was Always Just Dad and Grandpa’**.zin

Gene Hackman’s Daughters and Granddaughter Mourn His Passing: ‘He Was Always Just Dad and Grandpa’

Gene Hackman’s daughters, Elizabeth and Leslie Hackman, and his granddaughter Annie have expressed their deep sorrow following the loss of the legendary actor.

“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 and are devastated by the loss,” they shared in a statement to PEOPLE.

Hackman, 95, and his wife, Betsy Arakawa, 64, were found deceased in their Santa Fe, New Mexico home on Wednesday, Feb. 27. Authorities have classified their deaths as part of an “active police investigation,” with a Santa Fe detective describing the circumstances as “suspicious,” according to a new TMZ report.

A Legendary Career and Personal Life

Hackman was one of Hollywood’s most celebrated actors, known for iconic roles in The French Connection, Superman, and The Royal Tenenbaums. His wife, Betsy Arakawa, was a classical pianist.

The couple married in 1991, and Hackman had three children from his previous marriage to Faye Maltese—Christopher Allen Hackman, 63, Elizabeth Jean Hackman, 61, and Leslie Ann Hackman, 57.

Tributes from Hollywood

The news of Hackman’s passing has prompted heartfelt tributes from his famous colleagues.

Clint Eastwood, 94, who directed and starred alongside Hackman in the 1992 Western Unforgiven, shared in a statement:

“There was no finer actor than Gene. Intense and instinctive. Never a false note. He was also a dear friend whom I will miss very much.”

Morgan Freeman, 87, who co-starred with Hackman in Unforgiven and Under Suspicion (2000), wrote on Instagram:

“One of the personal highlights of my career was bringing the French film Gardé à Vue (Under Suspicion) to life with the incredibly gifted Gene Hackman. And of course… Unforgiven. Rest in peace, my friend.”

Hackman’s remarkable career spanned decades, earning him two Academy Awards and cementing his place as one of Hollywood’s greatest actors. His legacy, both on-screen and in the hearts of his family, will be remembered forever.