As details slowly emerged about the death in New Mexico of legendary actor Gene Hackman, a two-time Oscar winner whose career spanned five decades, tributes poured in from the entertainment world Thursday for a man who was a towering figure in the industry.

Gene Hackman, the Oscar-winning 'Unforgiven' and 'French Connection' actor who was an onscreen fixture for 40 years, has died at 95.

Gene Hackman, who died at age 95, starred in some of the most critically acclaimed movies ever, including "The French Connection," "Hoosiers" and "Mississippi Burning."