Bill Murray Admits He Sympathized with Gene Hackman Despite His Difficult Nature . Viet

Bill Murray Remembers Gene Hackman as a “Tough Nut” but a Brilliant Actor

Bill Murray recently reflected on his experience working with the late Gene Hackman, acknowledging both his immense talent and his difficult personality.

In a preview of his upcoming interview on The Drew Barrymore Show, airing March 5, Murray, 74, reminisced about filming The Royal Tenenbaums (2001) with Hackman. He praised Hackman’s acting skills but noted that the veteran star had little patience for younger filmmakers like director Wes Anderson.

“I sympathized with Gene because, to him, Wes was just a punk kid,” Murray explained. “And Gene had made some of the greatest American movies. So yeah, he was a little irritable. But he had to work with children, dogs—he was put in really tough situations and probably kept asking himself, ‘What am I doing here with these people?’”

Despite Hackman’s challenging nature, Murray emphasized that his performance in the film was remarkable. “When you watch the movie, it’s a real piece of work. Wes Anderson makes great films, and so did Gene Hackman. Put them together, and of course, you get a great movie.”

Speaking to the Associated Press, Murray described Hackman as “a tough nut” but admitted, “He was really good. And yeah, he was really difficult—we can say it now. He was a tough guy.”

Murray also shared how seasoned actors like Hackman can be particularly hard on young directors. “Older great actors don’t give young directors much of a chance. They’re really rough on them, and Gene was really rough on Wes. I used to step in and try to defend my friend.”

Recalling a moment on set, Murray revealed that Hackman once performed a scene flawlessly in 25 consecutive takes while his scene partner repeatedly messed up. “I remember watching and thinking, ‘No wonder this guy wants to throttle people.’ Eventually, Gene toned down his performance so the other actor could get it right, and I honestly thought he was going to throw the guy off the building.”

Tragic Passing of Gene Hackman

Hackman, 95, and his wife, Betsy Arakawa, 65, were found dead in their Santa Fe, New Mexico, home on February 26. Authorities discovered Arakawa’s body in an advanced state of decomposition, while Hackman appeared to have suffered a fall, with his sunglasses lying beside him.

Two of the couple’s dogs were found alive and healthy, while a third was deceased. The Santa Fe County Sheriff’s Office stated that foul play is not suspected but has not been ruled out. An active investigation is ongoing, with autopsy and toxicology results pending.