Gene Hackman was a ‘tough nut’ says Bill Murray after death

Gene Hackman's tragic passing has led to several of his colleagues and fans expressing their affection and love for the actor, which includes comedian Bill Murray.

Giving comments to Associated Press, he admitted that Hackman could be a “tough nut” to work with.

He recalled a time when the actor gave Wes Anderson a tough time when they worked together on the project, The Royal Tenenbaums.

“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. Gene was really rough on Wes and I used to kind of step in there and just try to defend my friend,” Murray stated.

The comedian recalled moments where he would watch the other actor do multiple takes when his co-star couldn’t get the scene right, “I was watching it going, ‘No wonder this guy wants to throttle people.’ Then he gave a sort of ordinary performance and the other actor got it right, and I thought Gene was gonna throw the guy off the ledge of the building. He was a great one. He was a great actor.”

Gene Hackman was found dead at his home in New Mexico, with his wife and dog in the same condition. They were discovered by the authorities when they dropped by for a wellness check. Although the investigation is still ongoing, they have deemed the case suspicious. 

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