Of course, “the performance he gave was brilliant,” Murray adds, theorizing that Hackman had to know the juice was worth the squeeze after seeing the film. “When you see the movie, it’s a real piece of work.

Bill Murray has paid an honest tribute to Gene Hackman. Murray described Hackman as one of the greats of the acting profession after his death was confirmed on Thursday, but said he could be a “tough nut” to work with.

Hollywood legend Gene Hackman passed away this week and there has been a truly immense outpouring of love for the great actor. There have also been some

Bill Murray reflects on working with the late Gene Hackman in the 2001 Wes Anderson film "The Royal Tenenbaums."

His dozens of films included the Academy Award favorites “The French Connection” and “Unforgiven,” a breakout performance in “Bonnie and Clyde,” a classic bit of farce in “Young Frankenstein,” a turn as the comic book villain Lex Luthor in “Superman” and the title character in Wes Anderson’s 2001 “The Royal Tenenbaums.

Hackman portrayed Stiller's onscreen father in Wes Anderson's 2001 classic 'The Royal Tenenbaums,' which also starred Gwyneth Paltrow

Murray defended his late 'Royal Tenenbaums' co-star, who had a fractious relationship with director Anderson, whom Murray labeled a "young punk."

He admitted that the late actor was "a little irritable" during filming but ultimately came around to director Wes Anderson and the movie.

Drew Barrymore fangirled over "The Royal Tenenbaums" with star Bill Murray as the two paid homage to the late Gene Hackman during a Thursday taping of "The Drew Barrymore Show." Barrymore was quick to mention the 2001 Oscar-nominated dramedy was one of her favorite films and asked Murray what it was like working with Hackman on set.

Mr. Stiller is an actor and director. Twenty-five years ago I found myself sitting in a director’s chair in Harlem next to Gene Hackman. I had been playing one of his sons in a world created by Wes Anderson,

Bill Murray says Gene Hackman was ‘really rough on’ Wes Anderson in The Royal Tenenbaums - Murray recalled having to ‘step in’ and ‘defend’ Anderson

Bill Murray has paid an honest tribute to Gene Hackman. Murray described Hackman as one of the greats of the acting profession after his death was confirmed on Thursday, but said he could be a “tough nut” to work with.