Stars mourn 'tough nut with heart of gold' Gene Hackman

"The loss of a great artist, always cause for both mourning and celebration: Gene Hackman a great actor, inspiring and magnificent in his work and complexity, I mourn his loss, and celebrate his existence and contribution." - Francis Ford Coppola, who directed Gene Hackman in The Conversation, on Instagram

"There has never been a 'Gene Hackman Type.' There has only been Gene Hackman." - Tom Hanks on Instagram

"He was a tough nut, Gene Hackman, but he was really good and he was really difficult. Like, we can say it now, but he was a tough guy because older, great actors do not give young directors much of a chance. They're really rough on 'em." - actor Bill Murray, recalling working with Hackman on The Royal Tenenbaums with director Wes Anderson, in an interview

"Gene Hackman was an incredible actor. He lived a long life and left an amazing legacy." - Barbara Streisand, who starred in All Night Long with Hackman, on Instagram

"He was a master. I learned so much from him. Before a scene he would tell me - 'Fill up'. Thanks Gene." - Matt Dillon, who starred with Hackman in Target, on Instagram

"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." - Mel Brooks on X

"So awful. Gene was such an inspiration to so many of us who love movies. So many brilliant roles. His performance in 'The Conversation' alone changed the way I looked at acting and what actors could bring to a role. Such an amazing career. RIP Mr. Hackman." - director Paul Feig on X

"The greatest. An actor unparalleled with a heart of gold. 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. " - Jeanne Tripplehorn, Hackman's co-star in The Firm, on Instagram

"I am crushed by the sudden deaths of Gene Hackman and his wife Betsy Arakawa (and their dog). Crushed. He was always one of my favorites. Not many who beat to their own drums like he did. Rest in Peace." - actor Josh Brolin on Instagram