Dustin Hoffman Compares “Genius” Gene Hackman To Marlon Brando: “A Giant Among Actors”​on February 28, 2025 at 4:26 am

After more than 60 years in Hollywood, Gene Hackman has left an indelible mark on his fans and peers alike.

Dustin Hoffman, who starred with Hackman in the 2003 feature adaptation of John Grisham’s Runaway Jury, paid tribute to his longtime friend in a heartfelt statement after the 2x Oscar winner died at age 95.

“I met Gene in acting school, at the Pasadena Playhouse, when he was 27 and I was 19. We used to play congas together on the roof, trying to be like our hero Marlon Brando,” he said.

“And Gene was like Brando, in that he brought something unprecedented to our craft, something people didn’t immediately understand as genius,” added Hoffman. “He was expelled from our school after three months for ‘not having talent.’ It was the first time they ever did that. He was that good. Powerful, subtle, brilliant. A giant among actors. I miss him already.”

On Thursday, Hackman and wife Betsy Arakawa were found dead at their Santa Fe, NM home, along with one of their dogs. Arakawa’s body was discovered with an open pill bottle and pills scattered next to her.

Although no foul play is expected and the couple suffered “no external trauma,” a cause and manner of death have not yet been determined, but Santa Fe Sheriff’s Department said the circumstances are “suspicious enough” to warrant further investigation.

Hackman, who was married to Arakawa since 1991, is survived by three children, Christopher, Elizabeth Jean and Leslie Anne, with late ex-wife, Maltese.