Eugene Allen Hackman, better known as Gene Hackman, is an American retired actor and novelist born on Jan. 30, 1930, in San Bernardino, California. He started his career as a radio operator in the United States Marine Corps before transitioning to acting in the 1960s. Over the years, Hackman has become one of the most acclaimed and versatile actors of his generation, known for his powerful performances in a wide range of genres.
Hackman’s acting career began with small roles in TV shows and films, but his big break came with his portrayal of Buck Barrow in the 1967 film “Bonnie and Clyde.” This performance garnered critical acclaim and earned him his first Academy Award nomination for Best Supporting Actor. From there, Hackman went on to star in some of the most iconic films of the 1970s and 80s, including “The French Connection” in 1971 – for which he won the Academy Award for Best Actor for his role as Detective Popeye Doyle – “The Poseidon Adventure” in 1972 and “The Conversation” in 1974.
Throughout his career, Hackman continued to demonstrate his versatility as an actor, taking on challenging roles in films such as “Unforgiven” in 1992, “Crimson Tide” in 1995 and “The Royal Tenenbaums” in 2001. He has also appeared in many popular and successful action films, including “Superman: The Movie” and “Enemy of the State.” In total, Hackman has appeared in more than 100 films and has received five Academy Award nominations, two Academy Awards, two Golden Globe Awards, and two British Academy Film Awards.
Aside from acting, Hackman is also a talented writer. He has published several novels, including 2004’s “Justice for None” and “Payback at Morning Peak” in 2011.
Today, Hackman is retired from acting and lives in Santa Fe, New Mexico, with his wife, Betsy Arakawa.
In 2008, Hackman confirmed he was stepping back from acting. He told Reuters:
“I haven’t held a press conference to announce retirement, but yes, I’m not going to act any longer. I’ve been told not to say that over the last few years, in case some real wonderful part comes up, but I really don’t want to do it any longer.”
As for whether he missed it, he said, “Yes, I do. I miss the actual acting part of it, as it’s what I did for almost 60 years, and I really loved that. But the business for me is very stressful. The compromises that you have to make in films are just part of the beast, and it had gotten to a point where I just didn’t feel like I wanted to do it anymore.”
In 2021, he gave his first interview in 10 years with the New York Post on the 50th anniversary of “The French Connection’s” release. He told the outlet that, despite its cult status, he hasn’t watched the film much. He said:
“(I) haven’t seen the film since the first screening in a dark, tiny viewing room in a post-production company’s facility 50 years ago.” He added, “if the film has a legacy, I am not sure what that would be. At the time, it seemed to me to be a reverent story of a cop who was simply able to solve and put a stop to a major crime family’s attempt to infiltrate the New York drug scene.”
Hackman was last seen on the big screen in 2004’s “Welcome To Mooseport.” While his absence from cinema is missed, it is also something the legend deserves after giving his fans years of amazing work playing unforgettable roles in some of Hollywood’s most enduring classics.
In 1991, Hackman married classical pianist Betsy Arakawa. Although the couple has no children, they remain happily married to this day, making it more than 30 long years together. They are said to be living a quiet life as retirees in Santa Fe and rarely make any public appearances. However, now and again, Hackman has been spotted at events, such as at a musical show in May 2022.
After turning 93 in January 2023, the star was spotted by the New York Post out and about in Santa Fe, looking sprightly for his age. Hackman was seen pulling up to a fast-food joint to order a sandwich, which he tucked into while at the eatery’s car park. Dressed casually in jeans, a pullover, a vest and a cap, Hackman looked limber and agile as he later stopped by a gas station to fill up his vehicle and went in for some snacks.
Earlier in the day, the outlet had reportedly seen Hackman with a shovel in hand working outside his private estate, which he himself remodeled into a forever home in the ’90s.
One key factor in Hackman’s good health, according to the outlet, is his keenness for cycling. However, in 2012, the star was reportedly struck by a while riding a bike in Florida’s Key West and was forced to be airlifted to a hospital.
In a 2011 GQ interview, Hackman was asked how he wanted to be remembered. He replied:
“As a decent actor. As someone who tried to portray what was given to them in an honest fashion. I don’t know, beyond that. I don’t think about that often, to be honest. I’m at an age where I should think about it.”
Aren’t you happy to see Hackman still looking fit and formidable in his 90s? What are some your favorite movies of his? Let us know and pass this along to friends and family who loved watching the star on the big screen.
