Not all friendships stand the test of time, but as legendary actor Dick Van Dyke revealed in his memoir, “100 Rules of Living to 100,” the ones that last are the most painful to lose. In the memoir, which hit shelves in November 2025, Van Dyke details how deeply he felt the loss of fellow performer Gene Hackman. “It was agony thinking about Gene during that week,” the actor wrote of learning details about Hackman’s last week alive, as Parade shared. Tragically, Hackman died a very lonely death in his home in 2025, after battling both Alzheimer’s disease and a heart condition.
Although fans around the world all mourned Hackman, his death was a particularly difficult event for Van Dyke. After all, Hackman wasn’t just a Hollywood acquaintance for the actor; he was a lifelong friend.
The Two Actors Met at a Young Age
GettyLong before Van Dyke became a household name, he had already formed a friendship with Hackman. “He was the younger cousin of Bob Hackman, one of my teenage pals and a member of the Burfords,” the actor wrote when describing how he met Hackman in his hometown of Danville, Illinois. As he explained, the “Unforgiven” actor typically took on the role of a quiet audience member while the rest of their friend group engaged in boisterous antics.
After they had both set off on their paths to stardom, Van Dyke still appreciated his friend’s silent strength. “Every time I saw him in a movie, I thought the same thing about his performance. He had so much internal power,” he wrote. Hackman’s final movie role was in “Welcome to Mooseport,” a comedy that saw him star alongside Ray Romano.
Although the film was a departure from some of his revered dramatic roles, “Welcome to Mooseport” represents a fun end to a long, successful career in Hollywood. Hackman retired from acting after this lighthearted project.
Meanwhile, Van Dyke is Celebrating a Major Birthday
GettyEven as he mourns the loss of his fellow actor, Van Dyke has something to celebrate. As the memoir’s title suggests, its release is in honor of a major milestone birthday for the actor. In 2025, he turned 100 years old. “Singing is the best thing you can do for yourself,” he told TODAY of his many secrets to living such a long life. “Usually, I’ll wake up with an old tune in my head.”
Hackman himself may not have any more songs to sing, but his legacy will live on through his loved ones, colleagues, and friends like Van Dyke. Although they weren’t often pictured together, a rare Facebook photo shows the two actors posing with other famous Illinois natives in younger, happier times. Van Dyke will undoubtedly carry the memory of his fallen friend for the rest of his days.
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