Nathan Lane Honors Gene Hackman Following Actor's Death

Nathan Lane paid tribute to the late Gene Hackman during an appearance on 'The Late Show with Stephen Colbert,' recalling their time together on the set of 'The Birdcage.' Lane described Hackman as one of the greats, noting how he told him every morning that he was his favorite actor, and praised his ability to seamlessly blend comedy and drama. He reminisced about an ad-libbed moment during a scene where they danced and sang 'I Could Have Danced All Night,' revealing a playful flirtation between their characters. Lane highlighted the thrill of working with Hackman, emphasizing the actor's remarkable talent and intelligence. He also shared anecdotes about their week-long filming of the dinner scene, where Hackman engaged in Lane's improvisational style with ease. Lane expressed gratitude for the opportunity to work alongside such a legendary figure in film.