Dustin Hoffmanpaid tribute toGene Hackman, his former roommate and co-star, following the actorsdeath at 95.
In a statementshared withDeadline, Hoffman recalled first meeting Hackman while both were attending acting school in California.
We used to play congas together on the roof, trying to be like our hero Marlon Brando.
Gene Hackman and Dustin Hoffman in 2003Vera Anderson/WireImage
It was the first time they ever did that.
He was that good.
Powerful, subtle, brilliant.
A giant among actors.
I miss him already.
I slept on his floor because he had this small bedroom, Hoffman said whiledoing pressforRunaway Jury.
Next to the stove was a tub which was also the sink and it had a board over it.
Hes held that against me for forty years.
He added that the pair almost collaborated onThe Graduate, but Hoffman was fired from the film.
The first time that we would have worked together wouldve beenThe Graduate, Hoffman shared in 2003.
And he put him inBonnie and Clyde.
We will miss him sorely and are devastated by the loss.
I mourn his loss, and celebrate his existence and contribution.
