On Thursday, Bill Murray paid heartfelt tribute to his late co-star, Gene Hackman, during an interview with the Associated Press. Murray described Hackman as a “brilliant” actor but also acknowledged him as a “tough nut” who was notably “really rough” on the film's director, Wes Anderson. This poignant remembrance comes in the wake of Hackman's untimely passing at the age of 95, which occurred in his Santa Fe home alongside his wife, Betsy Arakawa, and their dog. The circumstances surrounding their deaths have been deemed “suspicious” and are currently under police investigation.
Murray shared his insights about Hackman’s complex personality during the filming of The Royal Tenenbaums, the iconic comedy-drama that solidified Anderson's reputation as a director. “He was a tough nut, Gene Hackman. But he was really good,” Murray reflected. He elaborated on the challenges Hackman posed for the younger director, stating, “Older, great actors do not give young directors much of a chance. They’re really rough on them, and Gene was really rough on Wes.” As a frequent collaborator of Anderson’s, Murray often found himself stepping in to support his friend during this challenging production.
In The Royal Tenenbaums, Hackman portrayed the family patriarch, Royal O’Reilly Tenenbaum, a role that showcased his exceptional talent. Murray recalled a particularly intense moment on set where Hackman delivered flawless performances in numerous takes, only to be let down by a co-actor. “Gene would do it perfectly, the other actor would blow it, and I’d go like, ‘Oh, God,’” Murray recounted. This experience led him to empathize with Hackman’s frustrations, noting, “No wonder this guy wants to throttle people.”
During his appearance on “The Drew Barrymore Show,” Murray further explored his sympathy for Hackman, who, in his eyes, perceived Anderson as “just a punk kid.” He said, “Gene’s made some of the greatest American movies, so he was a little irritable.” Murray acknowledged the challenging environment Hackman faced while working with a cast that included children and animals, stating, “They put him in very challenging positions to work, and so he just felt a lot of responsibility.” Despite the difficulties, Murray praised Hackman’s performance as “brilliant,” expressing his admiration for the actor's dedication to his craft.
When asked by Barrymore if Hackman eventually appreciated the film after seeing the final cut, Murray confidently replied, “He was not an ignorant man; he was a bright guy.” Murray believed that Hackman would have recognized his own behavior, admitting, “Well, I acted like a jerk.” He emphasized that the collaboration between Hackman and Anderson resulted in an exceptional film, stating, “Wes Anderson makes great movies and so does Gene Hackman, and you put them both in the same room and what are you going to get? You’re gonna get a good movie.”
As his tribute came to a close, Bill Murray expressed his heartfelt farewell to Gene Hackman: “So goodbye, Gene, I hope you’re well wherever you are.” This touching remembrance highlights not only Hackman's remarkable talent but also the complexities of working alongside a legendary actor.
For those interested, you can watch Murray’s full interview on “The Drew Barrymore Show” below.
