Gene Hackman, the renowned two-time Oscar-winning actor, has been found dead at the age of 95 alongside his wife, Betsy Arakawa, at their home in Santa Fe, New Mexico. According to local police, there is no immediate indication of foul play, though the investigation remains underway to determine the cause of death, which has not yet been publicly disclosed.
Hackman was celebrated as one of America’s most trusted onscreen artists, earning Oscars for his iconic roles as hard-nosed New York City narcotics officer Jimmy "Popeye" Doyle in The French Connection (1971) and the cantankerous Sheriff Little Bill Daggett in Unforgiven (1992). His introduction to cinema was marked by his award-winning performance, which made him one of the most recognizable faces of his era.
Born Eugene Alder Hackman on January 30, 1930, he initially took the unconventional route to stardom, with acting not starting until he was discharged from the U.S. Marine Corps at age 30. The early days of his acting career were tough; he was voted “least likely to succeed” during his training at the Pasadena Playhouse, along with his future friend, Dustin Hoffman. Nonetheless, Hackman persevered, moving to New York, where he worked various jobs to support his ambition.
His break came when he was cast as Clyde Barrow’s older brother, Buck, in Bonnie and Clyde (1967). This role secured him his first Oscar nomination and established his presence on the film scene. The gritty realism he brought to the character echoed the revolutionary style of director Arthur Penn, setting the stage for his subsequent successes.
The adventurous spirit and shameless energy Hackman displayed as "Popeye" Doyle revolutionized cop thrillers, especially noted for its intense car chase sequences filmed on the streets of New York without permits. Hackman later reflected on the lasting impact of this iconic role: “People on the street still call me Popeye. I wish I could have another hit and a new nickname.”
Throughout the 1970s, he showcased versatility with significant roles across various genres, appearing as the blind hermit in Mel Brooks’ comedy classic Young Frankenstein (1974) and gaining acclaim for performances ranging from genuine sorrow to overt villainy, such as his portrayal of Lex Luthor, Superman’s intergalactic nemesis in the eponymous 1978 film. Hackman's performances were marked by their authenticity—a reflection of the booming fare of the era.
His work was not confined to action films. Hackman also received praise for dramatic performances, particularly for his roles as the morally conflicted FBI agent searching for civil rights activists' killers in Mississippi Burning (1988) and the high school basketball coach Norman Dale in Hoosiers (1986). His performances were often laced with subversive humor, showcasing a complex persona as he navigated capturing the essence of malevolence or integrity.
While he was surrounded by A-list actors throughout his career—including Meryl Streep and Al Pacino—he never appeared to enjoy the traditional limelight of Hollywood fame. “I know exactly where you are coming from. Read it again, because I think we can make a really great statement against violence and killing if we do this right,” Clint Eastwood recalled Hackman expressing concern before committing to Unforgiven.
Retiring from acting after wrapping his final film role as a former president in Welcome to Mooseport (2004), Hackman shifted gears to writing, authoring novels which showcased another facet of his creative abilities. Despite leaving the public eye, his legacy as one of cinema’s greats endures, with younger generations discovering his work through reboots and retrospectives.
Gene Hackman's passing marks not only the end of his 95 years of life but also the closing chapter on the storied legacy of one of cinema's most transformative figures. He will be much missed not only by those who enjoyed his films but by the many artists he inspired throughout his illustrious career.