His performance in Wes Anderson’s “The Royal Tenenbaums” introduced Hackman to a new generation, and his presence helped define the film.

He brought something unprecedented to our craft,” his longtime friend Dustin Hoffman said. “Powerful, subtle, brilliant. A giant among actors..”

Dustin Hoffman paid tribute to Gene Hackman, his former roommate and co-star, following the actor's death at 95. In a statement shared with Deadline, Hoffman recalled first meeting Hackman while both were attending acting school in California.