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.

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

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

And he was really difficult, we can say it now, but he was a tough guy. Older, great actors do not give young directors much of a chance. They’re really rough on them,” said Bill Murray.

Bill Murray said on 'The Drew Barrymore Show' that he 'sympathized' with Gene Hackman, his late 'Royal Tenenbaums' costar, despite him being 'difficult'

The 'French Connection' and 'Hoosiers' star was found dead, along with his wife and their dog, at their home in Santa Fe, New Mexico.

Following news of Gene Hackman's mysterious death, 'The Royal Tenenbaums' co-star Bill Murray has said the actor was "really rough" on director Wes Anderson.

Bill Murray is defending his late Royal Tenenbaums co-star Gene Hackman from the film’s “punk” director Wes Anderson.

Gene Hackman enjoy a storied, Oscar-winning career as an everyman actor who mined personal pain to give intense, edgy performances.

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