Gene Hackman, “Hollywood’s most hardworking actor,” passed away at the age of 95 on February 26, 2025.
Hackman along with his wife, Betsy Arakawa, and dog were all found deceased in their New Mexico Home. Authorities reported that their sudden passing was “suspicious” enough in nature to require a thorough search and investigation. Autopsies have been conducted, but medical investigators are yet to determine their cause of death.
Hackman had since retired from acting in his 70s due to his health condition. In a 2009 interview he said, “The doctor advised me that my heart wasn’t in the kind of shape that I should be putting it under any stress.”
As the industry and fans mourn his loss, here’s a look back of the actor’s works and accolades over the years after having played more than 100 characters throughout his career.
Hackman began his acting career in 1956 at the Pasadena Playhouse, a community theater in California. During that time, Hackman was voted as “least likely to succeed” by his classmates.
A few years later, Hackman started to build his career from playing a bit roles across various film and television series where he debuted on the 1961 film ‘Mad Dog Coll.’
Ten years later, Hackman had long paved his way in the industry, and is best known for his 1971 film ‘The French Connection.’ His exceptional performance as detective Jimmy “Popeye” Doyle was recognized as ‘Best Actor’ at the 1972 Oscars. The film appeared on the American Film Institute’s list of the best American films. Since 2005, the action thriller film was preserved at the United States National Film Registry for being”culturally, historically or aesthetically significant.”
In 1973, Hackman and Al Pacino crossed paths for a film ‘Scarecrow.’ A total deviation from his previous action packed detective film, ‘Scarecrow’ is a road comedy-drama film following two vagabonds on a road trip from California to Pittsburgh to start a car wash business. The two actors were acclaimed by British film critic Peter Bradshaw for giving “a performance of their lives.”
Shortly after, Hackman starred in ‘The Conversation’ directed by Francis Ford Coppola in 1974. Hackman played as a surveillance expert who faced a moral dilemma when his recordings revealed a potential murder. The film was a box office hit of its time and had earned Hackman yet again another ‘Best Actor’ award at the 1975 British Academy Film Awards.
Hackman further skyrocketed to fame for his portrayal of supervillain Lex Luthor for the 1978 ‘Superman.’ The actor was acclaimed for the perfect blend of his comedic and menacing performance as the villain. He reprised the role twice for 1980 and 1987 installations of the same film.
Nearing his retirement, ‘Royal Tenenbaums’ in 2001 were one of the last few works by Hackman where he received a Golden Globe as ‘Best Actor for Musical or Comedy’ for his performance. The comedy-drama film was directed by Wes Anderson and featured a star studded ensemble. Hackman was Royal Tenenbaum, the father of three eccentric children who left during their adolescent years and returned several years later to reconcile.
Hackman marked his last film with yet again another comedy ‘Welcome to Mooseport,’ in which he was a former U.S. President named Monroe “Eagle” Cole who moved in the said town. After this film, the actor had finally decided to leave Hollywood for good.
As a veteran in the industry and a well decorated actor, Hackman’s legacy and his range of works will surely be remembered as someone who went from being called “least likely to succeed,” to being one of the greatest in Hollywood history.
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