Clint Eastwood, who directed and starred with Hackman in 1992’s Unforgiven, said in a statement to Deadline: “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.”

The 'French Connection' and 'Hoosiers' star was found dead, along with his wife and their dog, at their home in Santa Fe, New Mexico.

Director Francis Ford Coppola, actor Viola Davis, director Paul Feig and and actor-director Clint Eastwood are among those paying tribute to Gene Hackman after his death at age 95. Hackman, his wife Betsy Arakawa and their dog were found dead in their New Mexico home, authorities said Thursday.