An interview in which Kevin Costner recalled an emotional exchange with Gene Hackman that left him choked up resurfaced Thursday after news of the “French Connection” star’s mysterious death broke.

The Yellowstone star posted an old interview to his social media in which he said, “Gene was the best actor that I’ve ever worked with.”

Clint Eastwood, who worked with Hackman on Unforgiven and Absolute Power, remembered him in a brief statement on X: “Extremely saddened by the passing of Gene Hackman, He will be deeply missed…” Below are more tributes from stars like Morgan Freeman and Ralph Fiennes.