Jump to content

Gene Hackman

Page semi-protected
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

Gene Hackman
Hackman in 1972
Born
Eugene Allen Hackman

(1930-01-30)January 30, 1930
San Bernardino, California, U.S.
DiedFebruary 2025(2025-02-00) (aged 95)
Santa Fe, New Mexico, U.S.
OccupationActor
Years active1959–2004
Spouses
  • Faye Maltese
    ​
    ​
    (m. 1956; div. 1986)​
  • Betsy Arakawa
    ​
    (m. 1991)​
Children3
AwardsFull list
Military Service
AllegianceUnited States
BranchUnited States Marine Corps
Service years1946–1951
RankPrivate first class
OperationsOperation Beleaguer
Occupation of Japan
Awards

Eugene Allen Hackman (January 30, 1930 – February 2025) was an American actor. In a career that spanned over four decades, he received two Academy Awards, two British Academy Film Awards, and four Golden Globe Awards.[1]

Hackman's two Academy Award wins were for Best Actor for his role as Jimmy "Popeye" Doyle in William Friedkin's action thriller The French Connection (1971) and for Best Supporting Actor for his role as a villainous Sheriff in Clint Eastwood's Western film Unforgiven (1992). He was also Oscar-nominated for three other roles: that of Buck Barrow in the crime drama Bonnie and Clyde (1967); a college professor in the drama I Never Sang for My Father (1970); and an FBI agent in the historical drama Mississippi Burning (1988).

Hackman gained further fame for his portrayal of Lex Luthor in three of the Superman films from 1978 to 1987. He also acted in: The Poseidon Adventure (1972), Scarecrow (1973), The Conversation (1974), Night Moves (1975), A Bridge Too Far (1977), Under Fire (1983), Hoosiers (1986), Power (1986), Another Woman (1988), The Firm (1993), The Quick and the Dead (1995), Get Shorty (1995), The Birdcage (1996), Enemy of the State (1998), The Royal Tenenbaums (2001) and Runaway Jury (2003). He mostly retired from acting after his final film role in Welcome to Mooseport (2004), occasionally providing narration for television documentaries until 2017.

Early life and military service

Hackman in the U.S. Marine Corps

Eugene Allen Hackman was born in San Bernardino, California, to Anna Lyda Elizabeth (née Gray) and Eugene Ezra Hackman.[2] He had a brother named Richard. His mother was born in Sarnia, Ontario, Canada.[3] Hackman's family moved frequently, finally settling in Danville, Illinois, where they lived in the house of his English-born maternal grandmother, Beatrice.[4] His father operated the printing press for the Commercial-News, a local newspaper. Hackman said he had decided at age ten that he wanted to become an actor.[5] His parents divorced when he was 13 and his father later left the family.[6][7]

Hackman lived briefly in Storm Lake, Iowa, and spent his sophomore year at Storm Lake High School.[8] He left home at age 16, lied about his age to enlist in the United States Marine Corps, and served four and a half years as a field-radio operator. Hackman was stationed in China (Qingdao and later in Shanghai). When Communist revolutionaries conquered the mainland in 1949, he was reassigned to Hawaii and Japan. After his discharge in 1951,[9] Hackman moved to New York City, where he worked at various jobs.[10] In 1962, his mother died in a fire she had accidentally started while smoking.[11] He began a study of journalism and television production at the University of Illinois under the G.I. Bill, but left without graduating and moved back to California.[12]

Career

Acting was something I wanted to do since I was 10 and saw my first movie, I was so captured by the action guys. Jimmy Cagney was my favorite. Without realizing it, I could see he had tremendous timing and vitality.

Gene Hackman[5]

1956–1969: Career beginnings

In 1956, Hackman began pursuing an acting career. He joined the Pasadena Playhouse in California,[10] where he befriended another aspiring actor, Dustin Hoffman.[10] Already seen as outsiders by their classmates, Hackman and Hoffman were voted "the least likely to succeed",[13][10] and Hackman got the lowest score the Pasadena Playhouse had yet given.[14] Determined to prove them wrong, Hackman moved to New York City. A 2004 article in Vanity Fair described Hackman, Hoffman, and Robert Duvall as struggling California-born actors and close friends, sharing New York apartments in various two-person combinations in the 1960s.[15][16]

To support himself between acting jobs, Hackman was working at a Howard Johnson's restaurant[17] when he encountered an instructor from the Pasadena Playhouse, who said that his job proved that Hackman "wouldn't amount to anything".[18] A Marine officer who saw him as a doorman said "Hackman, you're a sorry son of a bitch." Rejection motivated Hackman, who said:

It was more psychological warfare, because I wasn't going to let those fuckers get me down. I insisted with myself that I would continue to do whatever it took to get a job. It was like me against them, and in some way, unfortunately, I still feel that way. But I think if you're really interested in acting there is a part of you that relishes the struggle. It's a narcotic in the way that you are trained to do this work and nobody will let you do it, so you're a little bit nuts. You lie to people, you cheat, you do whatever it takes to get an audition, get a job.[17]

Hackman got various bit roles, for example in the film Mad Dog Coll and on multiple television series, Tallahassee 7000, The United States Steel Hour, Route 66, Naked City, The Defenders, The DuPont Show of the Week, East Side/West Side, and Brenner.[19] Hackman began performing in several Off-Broadway plays, starting with The Saintliness of Margery Kempe in 1959 and including Come to the Palace of Sin in 1963. In 1963 he made his Broadway debut in Children From Their Games which had only a short run, as did A Rainy Day in Newark. However, Any Wednesday with actress Sandy Dennis was a huge Broadway success in 1964.[20] This opened the door to film work. His first credited role was in Lilith, with Jean Seberg and Warren Beatty in the leading roles.[21]

Hackman returned to Broadway in Poor Richard (1964–65) by Jean Kerr, which ran for over a hundred performances.[20] He continued to do television – The Trials of O'Brien, Hawk, The F.B.I. – and had a small part as Dr. John Whipple in the epic film Hawaii. He had small roles in features like First to Fight (1967), A Covenant with Death (1967), and Banning (1967). Hackman was originally cast as Mr. Robinson in the 1967 Mike Nichols film The Graduate, but Nichols fired him three weeks into rehearsal for being "too young" for the role; he was replaced by Murray Hamilton.[22] Also in 1967 he appeared in an episode of the television series The Invaders entitled "The Spores"; and as Buck Barrow in 1967's Bonnie and Clyde,[10] which earned him an Academy Award nomination for Best Supporting Actor.[23]

A return to Broadway that same year, The Natural Look, ran for just one performance. Additionally he performed Off-Broadway in Fragments and The Basement. Hackman was in episodes of Iron Horse ("Leopards Try, But Leopards Can't") and Insight ("Confrontation"). In 1968, he appeared in an episode of I Spy, in the role of "Hunter", in the episode "Happy Birthday... Everybody". That same year he starred in the CBS Playhouse episode "My Father and My Mother" and the dystopian television film Shadow on the Land.[24]

In 1969, he played a ski coach in Downhill Racer and an astronaut in Marooned. Also that year, he played a member of a barnstorming skydiving team that entertained mostly at county fairs, a film which also inspired many to pursue skydiving and has a cult-like status amongst skydivers as a result: The Gypsy Moths. Hackman supported Jim Brown in two films, The Split (1968) and Riot (1969), Hackman nearly accepted the role of Mike Brady for the TV series The Brady Bunch,[25] but his agent advised that he decline it in exchange for a more promising role, which he did, but this story is said to have been exaggerated.[26]

1970–1979: Breakthrough and stardom

Hackman while celebrating the Academy Awards with cast members of The Poseidon Adventure in 1972

Hackman was nominated for a second Best Supporting Actor Academy Award for his role in I Never Sang for My Father (1970). He starred in Doctors' Wives (1971) and The Hunting Party (1971) then won the Academy Award for Best Actor for his performance as New York City Detective Jimmy "Popeye" Doyle in The French Connection (1971), marking his graduation to stardom.[10]

After The French Connection, Hackman starred in ten films (not including his cameo in Young Frankenstein) over the next three years, making him the most prolific actor in Hollywood during that time frame. He followed The French Connection with leading roles in Cisco Pike (1972), Prime Cut (1972), The Poseidon Adventure (1972), Scarecrow (1973) alongside Al Pacino, which was Hackman's favorite role of his career and won the Palme d'Or at the Cannes Film Festival,[27] and Francis Ford Coppola's The Conversation (1974), which was nominated for several Oscars and also won the Palme d'Or at the Cannes.[10] That same year, Hackman appeared in what would become one of his most famous comedic roles, as Harold the Blind Man in Young Frankenstein.[28] Hackman also appeared in Zandy's Bride (1974) and Night Moves (1975) for director Arthur Penn.[29][30]

Hackman played one of Teddy Roosevelt's former Rough Riders in the Western horse-race saga Bite the Bullet (1975).[31] He reprised his Oscar-winning role as Doyle in the sequel French Connection II (1975), and co-starred with Burt Reynolds and Liza Minnelli in Lucky Lady (1975), a notorious flop. After making The Domino Principle (1977) for Stanley Kramer, Hackman was part of an all-star cast in the war film A Bridge Too Far (1977), playing Polish General Stanisław Sosabowski, and was an officer in the French Foreign Legion in March or Die (1977).[32]

Hackman showed a talent for both comedy and the "slow burn" as criminal mastermind Lex Luthor in Superman: The Movie (1978),[33] a role he would reprise in its 1980 and 1987 sequels.[34][35]

1980–1999: Established career and acclaim

Gene is someone who is a very intuitive and instinctive actor ... The brilliance of Gene Hackman is that he can look at a scene and he can cut through to what is necessary, and he does it with extraordinary economy – he's the quintessential movie actor. He's never showy ever, but he's always right on.

Alan Parker
director of Mississippi Burning (1988)[36]

Hackman alternated between leading and supporting roles during the 1980s. He appeared opposite Barbra Streisand in All Night Long (1981) and supported Warren Beatty in Reds (1981). He played the lead in Eureka (1983) and a supporting role in Under Fire (1983). Hackman provided the voice of God in Two of a Kind (1983) and starred in Uncommon Valor (1983), Misunderstood (1984), Twice in a Lifetime (1985), Target (1985) for Arthur Penn, and Power (1986). Between 1985 and 1988, he starred in nine films, making him the busiest actor, alongside Steve Guttenberg.[37] Hackman played a high school basketball coach in Hoosiers (1986), which a 2008 American Film Institute poll named the fourth-greatest sports film of all time.[38] After Superman IV: The Quest for Peace (1987), he also voiced Nuclear Man (who was portrayed by Mark Pillow), and was in No Way Out (1987), Split Decisions (1988), Bat*21 (1988), and Full Moon in Blue Water (1988).

He acted opposite Gena Rowlands in the Woody Allen drama Another Woman (1988).[39] Hackman starred in the Alan Parker directed crime drama Mississippi Burning (1988) where he acted opposite Willem Dafoe where they played an FBI agents investigating a murder of a civil rights leader. He earned acclaim for the role with Roger Ebert praising his performance for his "subtly".[40] He was nominated for a second Academy Award for Best Actor losing to Dustin Hoffman for Rain Man.[41] After this he appeared in The Package (1989).[42] Hackman starred in Loose Cannons (1990) with Dan Aykroyd, and he had a supporting role in Postcards from the Edge (1990). He appeared with Anne Archer in Narrow Margin (1990), a remake of the 1952 film The Narrow Margin. After Class Action (1991) and Company Business (1991) Hackman played the sadistic sheriff "Little Bill" Daggett in the Western Unforgiven directed by Clint Eastwood and written by David Webb Peoples. Hackman had pledged to avoid violent roles, but Eastwood convinced him to take the part, which earned him a second Oscar, this time for Best Supporting Actor. The film also won Best Picture.[10]

Hackman returned to Broadway starring in the 1992 Ariel Dorfman play Death and the Maiden acting opposite Glenn Close and Richard Dreyfus at the Brooks Atkinson Theater.[43] In 1993, he appeared in Geronimo: An American Legend as Brigadier General George Crook, and co-starred with Tom Cruise as a corrupt lawyer in The Firm, a legal thriller based on the John Grisham novel of the same name. Hackman would appear in two other films based on John Grisham novels, playing convict Sam Cayhall on death row in The Chamber (1996), and jury consultant Rankin Fitch in Runaway Jury (2003). Other notable films Hackman appeared in during the 1990s include Wyatt Earp (1994) (as Nicholas Porter Earp, Wyatt Earp's father), The Quick and the Dead (1995) opposite Sharon Stone, Leonardo DiCaprio and Russell Crowe, and as submarine Captain Frank Ramsey alongside Denzel Washington in Crimson Tide (1995).[44]

Hackman played film producer Harry Zimm with John Travolta in the comedy-drama Get Shorty (1995). In 1996, he took a comedic turn as conservative Senator Kevin Keeley in The Birdcage with Robin Williams and Nathan Lane.[45] He co-starred with Hugh Grant in Extreme Measures (1996) and reunited with Clint Eastwood in Absolute Power (1997). Hackman did Twilight (1998) with Paul Newman for director Robert Benton, did one of the voices for Antz (1998), and co-starred with Will Smith in Enemy of the State (1998), his character reminiscent of the one he had portrayed in The Conversation.[46]

2000–2004: Final films and retirement

Hackman in 2008

Hackman co-starred with Morgan Freeman in Under Suspicion (2000), Keanu Reeves in The Replacements (2000), Owen Wilson in Behind Enemy Lines (2001), Sigourney Weaver in Heartbreakers (2001), and appeared in the David Mamet crime thriller Heist (2001),[47] as an aging professional thief of considerable skill who is forced into one final job. He made a cameo in The Mexican (2001).[48]

Hackman gained much critical acclaim[49] playing against type as the head of an eccentric family in Wes Anderson's comedy film The Royal Tenenbaums (2001), for which he received the Golden Globe Award for Best Actor in a Motion Picture Musical or Comedy.[50] In 2003, he also starred in another John Grisham legal drama, Runaway Jury, at long last getting to make a picture with his long-time friend Dustin Hoffman.[51]

In 2004, Hackman appeared alongside Ray Romano in the comedy Welcome to Mooseport, his final film acting role.[52]

Hackman was honored with the Cecil B. DeMille Award from the Golden Globe Awards for his "outstanding contribution to the entertainment field" in 2003.[53]

On July 7, 2004, Hackman gave a rare interview to Larry King, where he announced that he had no future film projects lined up and believed his acting career was over.[54] He narrated four episodes of the NFL Films sports documentary series America's Game: The Super Bowl Champions in 2007.[55] In 2008, while promoting his third novel, he confirmed that he had retired from acting.[56]

Speaking on his retirement in 2009, Hackman said:

The straw that broke the camel's back was actually a stress test that I took in New York. The doctor advised me that my heart wasn't in the kind of shape that I should be putting it under any stress.[57]

When asked during a GQ magazine interview in 2011 if he would ever come out of retirement to do one more film, he said he might consider it "if I could do it in my own house, maybe, without them disturbing anything and just one or two people."[58] He briefly came out of retirement to narrate two documentaries related to the United States Marine Corps: The Unknown Flag Raiser of Iwo Jima (2016)[59] and We, the Marines (2017).[60]

Writing

Hackman at a book signing in 2008

Together with undersea archaeologist Daniel Lenihan, Hackman wrote three historical fiction novels: Wake of the Perdido Star (1999),[61] a sea adventure of the 19th century; Justice for None (2004),[62] a Depression-era tale of murder based on a real-life crime in his boyhood town of Danville;[63] and Escape from Andersonville (2008), about a prison escape during the American Civil War.[64] His first solo effort, a story of love and revenge set in the Old West titled Payback at Morning Peak, was released in 2011.[65] His final novel Pursuit, a police thriller, followed in 2013.[66]

Personal life

Marriages and family

In 1956, Hackman married Faye Maltese,[67][68] with whom he had one son and two daughters: Christopher Allen, Elizabeth Jean, and Leslie Anne Hackman.[69] He was often out on location making films while the children were growing up.[70] The couple divorced in 1986, after three decades of marriage.[71]

In 1991, Hackman married classical pianist Betsy Arakawa.[72][73] They shared a Santa Fe, New Mexico, home, which Architectural Digest featured in 1990.[74] At the time, the home blended Southwestern styles and was at the crest of a twelve-acre hilltop, with a 360-degree view that stretched to the Jemez, Sangre de Cristo and Sandia mountains.[74] As of 2022, Hackman continued to attend Santa Fe cultural events.[75]

Views and interests

Hackman (right) with President Ronald Reagan in 1987

Hackman was a supporter of the Democratic Party, and said he was "proud" to be included on Nixon's Enemies List. However, he spoke fondly about Republican president Ronald Reagan.[76]

In the late 1970s, Hackman competed in Sports Car Club of America races, driving an open-wheeled Formula Ford.[77][78] In 1980, he won the Long Beach Toyota Pro/Celebrity Race.[79][80] He also drove a Dan Gurney Team Toyota in the 24 Hours of Daytona Endurance Race in 1983.[81]

Hackman was a fan of the Jacksonville Jaguars, an NFL football team based in Jacksonville, Florida and regularly attended Jaguars games as a guest of former head coach Jack Del Rio.[82] Their friendship went back to Del Rio's playing days at the University of Southern California.[83]

Hackman was also interested in architecture and design. As of 1990, he had created ten homes, two of which were featured in Architectural Digest.[74] After a period of time, he moved on to another house restoration. "I don't know what's wrong with me," he remarked, "I guess I like the process, and when it's over, it's over."[84]

As of 2018, Hackman was an active cyclist.[85]

Health

In 1990, Hackman underwent an angioplasty.[86] In 2012, the 82-year-old Hackman was struck by a pickup truck while he was cycling in the Florida Keys. It was initially reported that he had suffered serious head trauma; however, his publicist stated that his injury was nothing more than "bumps and bruises".[87]

Death

Hackman, his wife, and one of their three dogs were found dead at their home in Santa Fe, New Mexico, on February 26, 2025.[88][89][90] Their bodies were found by a maintenance worker who had last had contact with them two weeks before.[91][88][92] Hackman was found in the mudroom, and Arakawa was found in a bathroom, with prescription pills scattered throughout the bathroom and a pill bottle near her body. One of their dogs was dead in a bathroom closet near her; all the bodies showed signs of decay.[93][92] The couple's two other dogs were found alive on the property.[93]

On February 27, the Santa Fe County Sheriff's Department said there were no significant signs of foul play, but did not initially provide a time or cause of death.[94] Later the same day, the sheriff told news media that the couple appeared to have been "dead for quite a while"[95], at least a day before their bodies were discovered.[96] The fire department did not find evidence of a gas or carbon monoxide leak.[97] The sheriff's department is investigating.[92] The initial autopsy reports on both show no signs of external trauma.[98]

Tributes and legacy

Numerous members of the film industry have paid tribute to Hackman since his death. Clint Eastwood wrote in a statement, "There was no finer actor than Gene. Intense and instinctive. Never a false note. He was also a dear friend whom I will miss very much". Francis Ford Coppola wrote, "Gene Hackman [was] a great actor, inspiring and magnificent in his work and complexity ... I mourn his loss, and celebrate his existence and contribution."[99] British Academy of Film and Television Arts President Prince William also released a statement, which read in part, "Hackman was a true genius of film who brought each and every character to life with power, authenticity and star quality".[100]

Others who paid tribute include Morgan Freeman, Dustin Hoffman, Glenn Close, Tom Hanks, Viola Davis, Bill Murray, Mel Brooks, Alec Baldwin, Gwyneth Paltrow, Josh Brolin, John Cusack, Nathan Lane, James Woods, Antonio Banderas, Dan Aykroyd, and Hank Azaria.[101] The Guardian film critic Peter Bradshaw wrote that Hackman's death "marks the end of one of the greatest periods of U.S. cinema: the American New Wave ... He was the character actor who was really a star; in fact the star of every scene he was in – that tough, wised-up, intelligent, but unhandsome face perpetually on the verge of coolly unconcerned derision, or creased in a heartbreakingly fatherly, pained smile."[102]

Filmography

Film

Year Title Role Notes
1961 Mad Dog Coll Policeman Uncredited[103]
1964 Lilith Norman [103]
1966 Hawaii John Whipple
1967 Banning Tommy Del Gaddo
Community Shelter Planning Donald Ross, Regional Civil Defense Officer Short film[104]
A Covenant with Death Alfred Harmsworth [105]
First to Fight Sergeant Tweed [103]
Bonnie and Clyde Buck Barrow Academy Award nomination for Best Supporting Actor[103]
1968 The Split Lieutenant Walter Brill [103]
1969 Riot 'Red' Fraker
The Gypsy Moths Joe Browdy
Downhill Racer Eugene Claire
Marooned 'Buzz' Lloyd
1970 I Never Sang for My Father Gene Garrison Academy Award nomination for Best Supporting Actor[103]
1971 Doctors' Wives Dave Randolph [103]
The Hunting Party Brandt Ruger
The French Connection NYPD Detective Jimmy "Popeye" Doyle Academy Award winner for Best Actor[103]
1972 Prime Cut Mary Ann [103]
The Poseidon Adventure Reverend Frank Scott
Cisco Pike Sergeant Leo Holland
1973 Scarecrow Max Millan
1974 The Conversation Harry Caul
Young Frankenstein Harold, The Blind Man
Zandy's Bride Zandy Allan
1975 French Connection II NYPD Detective Jimmy "Popeye" Doyle
Lucky Lady Kibby Womack
Night Moves Harry Moseby
Bite the Bullet Sam Clayton
1977 The Domino Principle Roy Tucker
A Bridge Too Far Major General Stanisław Sosabowski
March or Die Major William Sherman Foster [105]
1978 Superman Lex Luthor [103]
1980 Superman II [105]
1981 All Night Long George Dupler
Reds Pete Van Wherry [103]
1983 Under Fire Alex Grazier
Two of a Kind God Voice, uncredited[106]
Uncommon Valor Colonel Jason Rhodes, USMC (Ret.) [103]
Eureka Jack McCann [105]
1984 Misunderstood Ned Rawley [103]
1985 Twice in a Lifetime Harry MacKenzie
Target Walter Lloyd / Duncan 'Duke' Potter
1986 Power Wilfred Buckley
Hoosiers Coach Norman Dale
1987 No Way Out Defense Secretary David Brice
Superman IV: The Quest for Peace Lex Luthor, Nuclear Man (voice)
1988 Bat*21 Lieutenant Colonel Iceal Hambleton, USAF
Split Decisions Danny McGuinn
Another Woman Larry Lewis
Full Moon in Blue Water Floyd
Mississippi Burning FBI Special Agent Rupert Anderson Academy Award nomination for Best Actor[103]
1989 The Package Sergeant Johnny Gallagher [103]
1990 Loose Cannons Detective MacArthur 'Mac' Stern
Postcards from the Edge Lowell Kolchek
Narrow Margin Robert Caulfield
1991 Class Action Jedediah Tucker Ward
Company Business Sam Boyd
1992 Unforgiven Sheriff Bill 'Little Bill' Daggett Academy Award winner for Best Supporting Actor[103]
1993 The Firm Avery Tolar [103]
Geronimo: An American Legend Brigadier General George Crook
1994 Wyatt Earp Nicholas Porter Earp
1995 The Quick and the Dead John Herod
Crimson Tide Captain Frank Ramsey
Get Shorty Harry Zimm
1996 The Birdcage Senator Kevin Keeley
Extreme Measures Dr. Lawrence Myrick
The Chamber Sam Cayhall
1997 Absolute Power President Alan Richmond
1998 Twilight Jack Ames
Antz General Mandible Voice[107]
Enemy of the State Edward "Brill" Lyle [103]
2000 Under Suspicion Henry Hearst Also executive producer[103]
The Replacements Coach Jimmy McGinty [103]
2001 The Mexican Arnold Margolese [105]
Heartbreakers William B. Tensy [103]
Heist Joe Moore
Behind Enemy Lines Admiral Leslie Reigart
The Royal Tenenbaums Royal Tenenbaum
2003 Runaway Jury Rankin Fitch
2004 Welcome to Mooseport Monroe 'Eagle' Cole

Television

Year Title Role Notes Ref.
1959–1962 The United States Steel Hour Various characters 8 episodes [19]
1959–1964 Brenner Officer Richard Clayburn / Patrolman Claibourne 3 episodes
1961 Tallahassee 7000 Joe Lawson Episode: "The Fugitive" [108]
1961–1963 The Defenders Jerry Warner / Stanley McGuirk 2 episodes [19]
1963 Look Up and Live Frank Collins Episode: "Look Up and Live" [12]
Naked City Mr. Jasper Episode: "Prime of Life" [109]
Route 66 Motorist Episode: "Who Will Cheer My Bonny Bride?"
The DuPont Show of the Week Douglas McCann Episode: "Ride with Terror" [12]
East Side West Side Policeman Episode: "Creeps Live Here" [110]
1966 The Trials of O'Brien Roger Nathan Episode: "The Only Game in Town" [111]
Hawk Houston Worth Episode: "Do Not Mutilate or Spindle"
1967 The F.B.I. Herb Kenyon Episode: "The Courier" [112]
The Invaders Tom Jessup Episode: "The Spores" [19]
Iron Horse Harry Wadsworth Episode: "Leopards Try, But Leopards Can't" [19]
CBS Playhouse Ned Episode: "My Father and My Mother" [113]
I Spy Frank Hunter Episode: "Happy Birthday Everybody"
Insight Holt Episode: "Confrontation"
1968 Shadow on the Land Reverend Thomas Davis Television film [114]
2007 America's Game: The Super Bowl Champions Narrator 4 episodes [55]
2008 Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives Himself Episode: "Big Breakfast" [115]
2016 The Unknown Flag Raiser of Iwo Jima Narrator Voice; documentary [116]
2017 We, the Marines [115]

Theatre

Year Title Role Notes Ref.
1960–1961 The Premise Various roles The Premise, Bleecker Street [20][117]
1963 Children from Their Games Charles Widgin Rochambeau Morosco Theatre, Broadway
A Rainy Day in Newark Sidney Rice Belasco Theatre, Broadway
Come to the Palace of Sin Performer Lucille Lortel Theatre, Off-Broadway
1964–1965 Any Wednesday Cass Henderson Music Box Theatre / George Abbott Theatre
Poor Richard Sydney Caroll Helen Hayes Theatre, Broadway[118]
1967 The Natural Look Dr. Barney Harris Longacre Theatre, Broadway
Fragments / The Basement Baxter / Zach Cherry Lane Theatre, Off-Broadway
1992 Death and the Maiden Roberto Miranda Brooks Atkinson Theatre, Broadway

Awards and nominations

Main article: List of awards and nominations received by Gene Hackman

Asteroid 55397 Hackman, discovered by Roy Tucker in 2001, was named in his honor.[119] The official naming citation was published by the Minor Planet Center on May 18, 2019 (M.P.C. 114954).[120]

Publications

  • Hackman, Gene, and Daniel Lenihan (1999). Wake of the Perdido Star. New York: Newmarket Press. ISBN 978-1-557-04398-6. OCLC 42027535.
  • Hackman, Gene, and Daniel Lenihan (2004). Justice for None. New York: St. Martins Press. ISBN 978-0-312-32425-4. OCLC 54035033.
  • Hackman, Gene, and Daniel Lenihan (2008). Escape from Andersonville: A Novel of the Civil War. New York: St. Martin's Press. ISBN 978-0-312-36373-4. OCLC 191865890.
  • Hackman, Gene (2011). Payback at Morning Peak: A Novel of the American West. New York: Simon & Schuster. ISBN 978-1-451-62356-7. OCLC 798634411.
  • Hackman, Gene (2013). Pursuit. New York: Pocket Books. ISBN 978-1-451-62357-4. OCLC 857568111.

References

  1. ^ "Gene Hackman: Daughters and Clint Eastwood lead tributes to star". BBC News. February 27, 2025. Retrieved February 28, 2025.
  2. ^ Berkvist, Robert (February 27, 2025). "Gene Hackman, Hollywood's Consummate Everyman, Dies at 95". The New York Times. ISSN 0362-4331. Retrieved February 28, 2025.
  3. ^ "Gene Hackman from Danville in 1940 Census District 92-22". archives.com.
  4. ^ "Anna Lyda Elizabeth Gray – Canada, Births and Baptisms". FamilySearch. May 13, 1904. Retrieved October 26, 2014.
  5. ^ a b "Gene Hackman: Least Likely To Succeed?". Deseret News. August 18, 1988. Retrieved April 12, 2024.
  6. ^ Norman, Michael (March 19, 1989). "Hollywood s Uncommon Everyman". The New York Times. Retrieved July 19, 2010.
  7. ^ Leman, Kevin (2007). What Your Childhood Memories Say about You: And What You Can Do about It. Tyndale House Publishers, Inc. p. 154. ISBN 978-1-4143-1186-9.
  8. ^ "1945 Storm Lake High Yearbook". classmates.com. Retrieved July 28, 2014.
  9. ^ "Hackman, Eugene, Cpl". marines.togetherweserved.com. Retrieved November 14, 2017.
  10. ^ a b c d e f g h Stated on Inside the Actors Studio, 2001
  11. ^ "Gene Hackman profile". Eonline.com. Archived from the original on October 29, 2008. Retrieved August 11, 2010.
  12. ^ a b c "Gene Hackman | Biography, Movies, & Facts". Encyclopedia Britannica. Retrieved April 11, 2020.
  13. ^ Shelley, Peter (2015). Gene Hackman: The Life and Work. McFarland. p. 7. ISBN 9781476670478.
  14. ^ Lee, Luaine (May 8, 1986). "Pasadena Playhouse, a Star Crucible, Reopens". Chicago Tribune. Archived from the original on November 16, 2018. Retrieved September 16, 2018.
  15. ^ "Dustin Hoffman and Gene Hackman". Xfinity. Comcast. Archived from the original on April 16, 2011. Retrieved December 31, 2011.
  16. ^ Stevenson, Laura (September 5, 1977). "Robert Duvall, Hollywood's No. 1 Second Lead, Breaks for Starlight". People. Archived from the original on November 4, 2013. Retrieved December 9, 2012.
  17. ^ a b Meryman, Richard (March 2004). "Gene Hackman, Dustin Hoffman, and Robert Duvall: Three Friends who Went from Rags to Riches". Vanity Fair. Condé Nast. Retrieved September 16, 2018.
  18. ^ "Vintage Movies: 'The French Connection'". Magnet. August 7, 2013. Retrieved September 16, 2018.
  19. ^ a b c d e Roots, Kimberley (February 27, 2025). "Gene Hackman, Oscar-Winning Star of The French Connection, Dead at 95". TV Line. Retrieved February 27, 2025. Hackman started his long and prestigious acting career on the stage and in television, appearing in series like The Defenders, The United States Steel Hour, Brenner, The Invaders and Iron Horse.
  20. ^ a b c Hall, Margaret (February 27, 2025). "Oscar Winning Actor Gene Hackman Dies at 95". Playbill. Retrieved February 27, 2025.
  21. ^ Walker, Beverly (November–December 1988). "Interview: Gene Hackman". Film Comment. Retrieved February 27, 2025.
  22. ^ "The Making of 'The Graduate'". Vanity Fair. February 25, 2008. Retrieved August 21, 2023.
  23. ^ "The 40th Academy Awards". oscars.org. Academy of Motion Picture Arts & Sciences. October 4, 2014. Retrieved February 27, 2025.
  24. ^ Roberts, Jerry (2009). Encyclopedia of Television Film Directors. Scarecrow Press. p. 500. ISBN 9780810863781. Retrieved February 3, 2017 – via Google Books.
  25. ^ "You'll never watch 'The Brady Bunch' the same way again after reading these 12 facts". Me TV. June 9, 2016. Retrieved September 16, 2018.
  26. ^ "How Robert Reed came to play 'The Brady Bunch' dad Mike (and who almost got the job instead)". EW.com. Retrieved February 27, 2025.
  27. ^ Debruge, Peter (May 14, 2013). "Modest 'Scarecrow' Preps Fresh Field at Gotham". Variety. Retrieved December 31, 2024.
  28. ^ "Weekend Top 10". Champaign/Urbana News-Gazette. August 3, 2018. Retrieved September 16, 2018.
  29. ^ "Zandy's Bride: Full Cast & Crew". Rotten Tomatoes. Retrieved February 27, 2025.
  30. ^ "Night Moves: Full Cast & Crew". Rotten Tomatoes. Retrieved February 27, 2025.
  31. ^ "Bite the Bullet: Full Cast & Crew". Rotten Tomatoes. Retrieved February 27, 2025.
  32. ^ "March or Die: Full Cast & Crew". Rotten Tomatoes. Retrieved February 27, 2025.
  33. ^ "Superman: The Movie: Full Cast & Crew". Rotten Tomatoes. Retrieved February 27, 2025.
  34. ^ "Superman II: Full Cast & Crew". Rotten Tomatoes. Retrieved February 27, 2025.
  35. ^ "Superman IV: The Quest for Peace: Full Cast & Crew". Rotten Tomatoes. Retrieved February 27, 2025.
  36. ^ Gonthier, David F. and O'Brien, Timothy M. The Films of Alan Parker, 1976–2003, McFarland (2015) p. 167
  37. ^ Cohn, Lawrence (October 5, 1988). "Acting Jobs Steadiest Since Studio Era". Variety. p. 1.
  38. ^ "MAFFEI: 'Hoosiers' still a classic after 25 years". San Diego Union Tribune. February 18, 2011. Retrieved August 17, 2018.
  39. ^ "Another Woman: Full Cast & Crew". Rotten Tomatoes. Retrieved February 27, 2025.
  40. ^ "Mississippi Burning review". Rogerebert.com. Retrieved February 28, 2025.
  41. ^ "1989 Oscars". Oscars. October 5, 2014. Retrieved August 17, 2018.
  42. ^ "The Package: Full Cast & Crew". Rotten Tomatoes. Retrieved February 27, 2025.
  43. ^ "Death and the Maiden (1992, Broadway)". Playbill. Retrieved February 28, 2025.
  44. ^ "Crimson Tide: Full Cast & Crew". Rotten Tomatoes. Retrieved February 27, 2025.
  45. ^ "The Birdcage at 20". NY Daily News. Retrieved August 17, 2018.
  46. ^ "Enemy of the State: Full Cast & Crew". Rotten Tomatoes. Retrieved February 27, 2025.
  47. ^ Scott, A. O. (November 9, 2001). "Film Review; Forget the Girl and Gold; Look for the Chemistry". The New York Times. Retrieved September 16, 2018.
  48. ^ "The Mexican movie review & film summary (2001) | Roger Ebert". www.rogerebert.com. Retrieved February 27, 2025.
  49. ^ Larman, Alexander (November 16, 2021). "Gene Hackman's one-man war on The Royal Tenenbaums". The Telegraph. ISSN 0307-1235. Retrieved February 27, 2025.
  50. ^ "Gene Hackman – Golden Globes". Golden Globes. Retrieved February 28, 2025.
  51. ^ Edelstein, David (January 27, 2002). "'Who are you calling a star?': Gene Hackman interviewed at home in Santa Fe". The Guardian. Retrieved February 28, 2025.
  52. ^ "Cameron Diaz and other celebs who have retired from stage and screen". AZ Central. Retrieved August 18, 2018.
  53. ^ "Business Wire, November 14, 2002. Hollywood. 'Gene Hackman to Receive HFPA'S Cecil B. DeMille Award At 60th Annual Golden Globe Awards to be Telecast Live on NBC on Sunday, January 19, 2003'". Findarticles.com. November 14, 2002. Archived from the original on July 9, 2012. Retrieved June 17, 2010.
  54. ^ "CNN.com Transcripts". CNN.com. Retrieved February 28, 2025.
  55. ^ a b "America's Game: The Super Bowl Champions – Full Cast & Crew". imdb.com. Retrieved February 27, 2025.
  56. ^ Blair, Iain (June 5, 2008). "Just a Minute With: Gene Hackman on his retirement". Reuters. Archived from the original on April 13, 2010. Retrieved July 19, 2008.
  57. ^ "Why did Gene Hackman quit acting?". faroutmagazine.co.uk. February 8, 2024. Retrieved February 27, 2025.
  58. ^ Hainey, Michael (June 1, 2011). "Eighty-one Years. Seventy-nine Movies. Two Oscars. Not One Bad Performance". GQ. Retrieved February 25, 2017.
  59. ^ Smithsonian Channel.com: Sneak Peek: The Unknown Flag Raiser of Iwo Jima, archived from the original on September 13, 2017, retrieved October 31, 2018
  60. ^ Barber, James (December 20, 2018). "'Marine for Life' Gene Hackman Narrates the Story of the USMC". Military.com. Retrieved April 19, 2021.
  61. ^ Vece, Tanya (January 31, 2018). "Hackman's, Bergen's talents shine on film, in books". Bouldercityreview. Retrieved September 16, 2018.
  62. ^ Boedeker, Hal (July 2, 2016). "Unknown Flag Raiser of Iwo Jima': Gene Hackman narrates". Orlando Sentinel. Retrieved September 16, 2018.
  63. ^ Caro, Mark; Reports, Staff (June 6, 2004). "It's murder he wrote as Gene Hackman returns to Danville". Chicago Tribune. Retrieved February 27, 2025.
  64. ^ Blair, Ian (June 5, 2008). Tourtellotte, Bob; Reaney, Patricia (eds.). "Just a Minute With: Gene Hackman on his retirement". Reuters. Archived from the original on December 14, 2017. Retrieved July 19, 2018.
  65. ^ Daniel, Douglass K. (July 30, 2011). "'Payback at Morning Peak': Actor Gene Hackman revisits the West – as a writer". The Seattle Times. Retrieved August 3, 2018.
  66. ^ Amazon.com: Pursuit: 9781451623574. ISBN 1451623577.
  67. ^ Ross, Shane (August 6, 2000). "The Gene genie works his magic off screen". Irish Independent. INM Website. Retrieved August 24, 2018.
  68. ^ "Inside Gene Hackman and Wife Betsy Arakawa's Happy Marriage". Closer Weekly. January 19, 2022. Retrieved September 26, 2022.
  69. ^ Brady, James (December 30, 2001). "In Step with Gene Hackman". Parade. The Blade. Retrieved September 28, 2013.
  70. ^ "Is Gene Hackman Retired From Acting? GQ Interview June 2011". GQ. June 1, 2011. Retrieved September 26, 2022.
  71. ^ Norman, Michael (March 19, 1989). "Hollywood's Uncommon Everyman". The New York Times. p. 6029. Retrieved August 3, 2018.
  72. ^ Lidz, Franz (September 2011). "Gene Hackman's new novel". AARP The Magazine. AARP. Retrieved January 26, 2021.
  73. ^ Wolfe, Jonathan (February 27, 2025). "Betsy Arakawa, a Classical Musician and the Wife of Gene Hackman, Dies at 65". The New York Times. Retrieved February 27, 2025.
  74. ^ a b c Chatfield-Taylor, Joan (April 1, 1990). "Gene Hackman's Rustic Santa Fe Home". Architectural Digest. Archived from the original on April 13, 2024. Retrieved February 27, 2025.
  75. ^ Stolworthy, Jacob (May 12, 2022). "Rare new photo of retired actor Gene Hackman, 92, delights movie fans". The Independent. Retrieved September 26, 2022.
  76. ^ Chilton, Martin (January 26, 2020). "Gene Hackman: The tormented, brawling genius of film". The Independent. Retrieved July 6, 2021.
  77. ^ Finke, Nikki (March 13, 1998). "Pleasures of the Road: Track Starts : Paul Newman, Gene Hackman, Perry King and Lorenzo Lamas rap on racing". Los Angeles Times. Retrieved August 24, 2018.
  78. ^ Siano, Joseph (October 23, 2002). "On the Track; Movie Stars as Racecar Drivers: What's Their Motivation?". The New York Times. Retrieved August 24, 2018.
  79. ^ Smith, Steven Cole (February 27, 2025). "Gene Hackman Was the "Most Impressive" Celebrity Driver Bob Bondurant Ever Coached". Hagerty.
  80. ^ "Grand Prix of Long Beach 2016 Fan Guide" (PDF). gplb.com. Grand Prix of Long Beach. April 15–17, 2016. Archived from the original (PDF) on January 10, 2017. Retrieved January 9, 2017.
  81. ^ Frankel, Andrew (January 2, 2016). "Actors with driving ambition". The Daily Telegraph . Archived from the original on January 11, 2022. Retrieved August 24, 2018.
  82. ^ Parziale, James (October 20, 2016). "Most famous fan of every NFL team". Fox Sports. Fox. Retrieved August 3, 2018.
  83. ^ Hubbuch, Bart (November 29, 2005). "Jaguars Notebook: Chatter angers Cardinals". Jacksonville.com. Archived from the original on January 4, 2012. Retrieved September 16, 2018.
  84. ^ "Gene Hackman's House in Montecito, California". Architectural Digest. May 20, 2016. Retrieved September 26, 2022.
  85. ^ "Catch 88-Year-Old Gene Hackman Cruising Around Santa Fe on His New E-bike". Men's Journal. Retrieved November 27, 2021.
  86. ^ Welkos, Robert W. (December 16, 2001). "Still the Tough Guy". Los Angeles Times. Retrieved August 17, 2018.
  87. ^ "Gene Hackman struck by car while riding bike". CNN Entertainment. January 14, 2012. Retrieved August 3, 2018.
  88. ^ a b Moreau, Jordan (February 27, 2025). "Gene Hackman and Wife's Death Ruled 'Suspicious' in Search Warrant: 'No Obvious Signs of a Gas Leak' and 'Thorough Investigation' Required". Variety. Retrieved February 27, 2025.
  89. ^ Gilmore, Nicholas (February 27, 2025). "Sheriff: Gene Hackman, wife found dead in Santa Fe home; no foul play suspected". The Santa Fe New Mexican.
  90. ^ Glynn, Paul (February 27, 2025). "Gene Hackman and wife Betsy Arakawa found dead in Santa Fe". BBC News.
  91. ^ Glynn, Paul (February 27, 2025). "Death of Hackman and wife 'suspicious enough' for investigation, police say". BBC News. Archived from the original on February 27, 2025.
  92. ^ a b c Montoya Bryan, Susan; Melley, Brian (February 27, 2025). "Oscar-winner Gene Hackman, wife Betsy Arakawa and their dog were dead for some time, warrant shows". Associated Press. Retrieved February 27, 2025.
  93. ^ a b Moorman, Taijuan (February 27, 2025). "Gene Hackman cause of death: Authorities don't suspect 'foul play' in actor, wife's death". USA Today. Retrieved February 27, 2025.
  94. ^ Lee, Benjamin; Shoard, Catherine (February 27, 2025). "Gene Hackman and pianist wife Betsy Arakawa found dead at home with their dog". The Guardian. ISSN 0261-3077. Retrieved February 27, 2025.
  95. ^ Jackson, Patrick (February 28, 2025). "Gene Hackman: What we know about the deaths of the film star and his wife". BBC. Retrieved February 28, 2025.
  96. ^ Rahman, Abid; Strause, Jackie (February 27, 2025). "Gene Hackman and Wife Betsy Arakawa Found Dead Inside New Mexico Home". The Hollywood Reporter. Retrieved February 27, 2025.
  97. ^ Jacobs, Julia; Watkins, Ali (February 27, 2025). "Scattered Pills Found Near Body of Hackman's Wife As Inquiry Continues". The New York Times. Retrieved February 27, 2025.
  98. ^ Dolak, Abid Rahman,Jackie Strause,Kevin (February 27, 2025). "Gene Hackman and Wife Betsy Arakawa's Initial Autopsy Reports Show No Signs of External Trauma". The Hollywood Reporter. Retrieved February 28, 2025.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: multiple names: authors list (link)
  99. ^ "Viola Davis, Tom Hanks, Clint Eastwood and more pay tribute to Gene Hackman". USA Today. Retrieved February 27, 2025.
  100. ^ "Prince William issues statement after Oscar-winning actor Gene Hackman and his wife Betsy found dead". GBN. Retrieved February 28, 2025.
  101. ^ Multiple sources:
  102. ^ "Prince of Wales leads tributes to 'genius of film' Gene Hackman". bbc.com. BBC News. Retrieved February 27, 2025.
  103. ^ a b c d e f g h i j k l m n o p q r s t u "Gene Hackman filmography". American Film Institute. Archived from the original on February 27, 2025. Retrieved February 27, 2025.
  104. ^ Hoberman, J. (August 28, 2014). "Drugs, Beats and Other 1950s Perils". The New York Times. 'Community Shelter Planning' (1967) dwells on the logistical difficulties that responsible politicians and hard-nose government experts (Gene Hackman among them) have
  105. ^ a b c d e "Gene Hackman – filmography". Rotten Tomatoes. Archived from the original on December 16, 2024. Retrieved February 27, 2025.
  106. ^ Ebert, Roger (December 20, 1983). "Two of a Kind". RogerEbert.com. Retrieved February 27, 2025. but now God (a glowing light with a voice by Gene Hackman) is back.
  107. ^ "Antz – Cast & Crew". Rotten Tomatoes. Archived from the original on February 27, 2025. Retrieved February 27, 2025.
  108. ^ Tenreyro, Tatiana (February 27, 2025). "Oscar Winner Gene Hackman and Wife Betsy Found Dead at Home: Sheriff". Parade. Retrieved February 27, 2025.
  109. ^ Morgan, David; Dakss, Brian (February 27, 2025). "Gene Hackman, 95, and wife Betsy Arakawa, 64, found dead in their New Mexico home, Santa Fe County Sheriff's Office says". CBS News. Retrieved February 27, 2025.
  110. ^ "Photos: Gene Hackman film highlights". KIRO 7. February 27, 2025. Retrieved February 27, 2025. 'East Side/West Side' New York – June 6: From left is Gene Hackman as a policeman and George C. Scott as Neil Brock, East Side/West Side. Episode, Creeps Live Here. Air date, December 23, 1963.
  111. ^ Searls, Joel (January 31, 2025). "Nearly 80 years ago, Gene Hackman lied about his age to enlist". We Are the Mighty.
  112. ^ "F.B.I., The: The Courier (TV)". Paley Archive: Collections. Paley Center for Media. Retrieved February 27, 2025.
  113. ^ Chang, Tom (February 27, 2025). "Gene Hackman, Two-Time Oscar Winner and Hollywood Legend, Passes at 95". Bleeding Cool. Retrieved February 27, 2025.
  114. ^ Acharya, Madhavi (May 20, 2012). "Marc Strange, creator of CBC hit The Beachcombers, dies of cancer". Toronto Star. Retrieved February 27, 2025. He did a stint in Los Angeles with a television movie called Shadow on the Land alongside leading men Jackie Cooper, John Forsythe, and Gene Hackman.
  115. ^ a b Dick, Jeremy (January 30, 2023). "Gene Hackman Celebrated by Fans Online in Honor of 93rd Birthday". Movie Web. Retrieved February 27, 2025.
  116. ^ Boedeker, Hal (July 2, 2016). "'Unknown Flag Raiser of Iwo Jima': Gene Hackman narrates". Orlando Sentinel. Retrieved February 27, 2025.
  117. ^ "Gene Hackman (performer)". Playbill. Retrieved February 27, 2025.
  118. ^ "Star Rote for Gene Hackman". The New York Times. August 31, 1964. Retrieved October 26, 2014.
  119. ^ "55397 Hackman (2001 SY288)". Minor Planet Center. Retrieved June 3, 2019.
  120. ^ "MPC/MPO/MPS Archive". Minor Planet Center. Retrieved June 3, 2019.
Wikimedia Commons has media related to Gene Hackman.
Achievements
Preceded by
George C. Scott
Declined Oscar
 Academy Award for Best Actor
1971 		Succeeded by
Marlon Brando
Declined Oscar
Retrieved from "https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Gene_Hackman&oldid=1278100626"