Gene Hackman, an iconic Hollywood figure celebrated for his roles in The French Connection, The Poseidon Adventure, and Mississippi Burning, passed away in Sante Fe, New Mexico, at 95. He was renowned for his flexible acting skills, adept at playing hard-nosed characters and then seamlessly transitioning into comic roles in films such as Superman and The Royal Tenenbaums. His remarkable acting prowess brought him two Academy Awards. His death was simultaneously mourned by his wife, Betsy Arakawa.
Hackman was born and raised in San Bernardino, California. The early separation of his parents led him to live with his British-born grandmother, Beatale Gray, in Illinois. At a young age, he served the United States Marine Corps as a field radio operator for approximately four-and-a-half years.
Upon completion of his military service, Hackman returned to California, where he had the opportunity to meet and study with Dustin Hoffman. In New York, both actors simultaneously pursued their theatrical dreams, often found competing against another contemporary, Robert Duvall. Hoffman, reminiscing about the early trials of their acting careers in a 2017 interview, confessed, ‘In the beginning, I doubted I would ever be hired.’
Hackman’s acting journey began with minor roles in films such as Lilith and the historical drama Hawaii, alongside Warren Beatty and Richard Harris respectively. However, it was his performance as Barrow Gang member Buck Barrow in the true-to-life 1967 crime movie, Bonnie and Clyde, that catapulted his career. This milestone landed him his first Best Supporting Actor Oscar nomination, further opening doors to key roles in films like The Split and The Hunting Party.
His momentous role in the Oscar-winning crime drama, The French Connection, solidifying Hackman’s place in Hollywood as one of the leading actors. Inspired by real-life events, the film portrayed Hackman and Roy Scheider as detectives of the New York City Police Department, engulfed in high-stakes tussles with the underworld crime syndicates and drug cartels. When honored with the Academy Award for this performance, he expressed his gratitude towards his acting coach George Morrison and the film’s director William Friedkin. Friedkin was credited for encouraging him not to leave the acting profession.
After The French Connection, he starred in its 1975 sequel, French Connection II. His character, Detective Doyle, was seen venturing to France in pursuit of a notorious drug boss. During the ’70s, Hackman showcased his versatility and skill in various other films, such as The Poseidon Adventure, where he essayed the courageous character of Reverend Frank Scott, and Mel Brooks’s horror parody Young Frankenstein, where he made a memorable appearance as a blind man.
Apart from these, Hackman was seen in the heart-pounding crime thriller Prime Cut and Richard Attenborough’s magnanimous Second World War saga A Bridge Too Far. In the latter, he shared the screen with renowned actors like Michael Caine, Sean Connery, and Anthony Hopkins, further solidifying his status in the industry.
To many fans, Hackman remains etched in memory as Lex Luthor, the comically criminal mastermind in Superman and its sequel. Playing opposite Christopher Reeve as Clark Kent/The Man of Steel, Hackman’s Lex Luthor became a symbol of scheming unpredictability that added further dimensions to the Superman franchise.
In 1988, Hackman captivated audiences with his fearless portrayal of an FBI agent in Mississippi Burning — an agent who would go to any lengths to investigate the merciless killings of three Civil Rights Movement activists in the 1960s. This exceptional performance earned him another Best Actor nomination.
Riding the wave of immense accolades, Hackman attained another Oscar victory as the Best Supporting Actor in Unforgiven, directed by Clint Eastwood. He played the role of the despicable Sheriff ‘Little’ Bill Daggett, leaving a lasting impact on audiences.
He then explored a deeper comic vein in Wes Anderson’s 2001 film The Royal Tenenbaums. His immaculate portrayal of the self-centered Royal Tenenbaum granted Hackman praise for his comedic timing and he was awarded a Golden Globe for Best Actor in a Musical or Comedy.
Taking a final bow from acting, Hackman’s last performance came in the 2004 political satire Welcome to Mooseport. In an interview given four years later, he confessed to missing ‘the actual acting part’ but found it difficult, as per his own words, to further adjust to ‘the compromises that films demand’.
Regarding his political loyalties, despite being a Democrat supporter, Hackman shared his admiration for Republican President Ronald Reagan, applauding him as a ‘true American’ following a personal meeting at the White House.
Gene Hackman’s personal life involved two marriages. He fathers three children with his first wife, Faye Maltese. In 1991, Hackman married Betsy Arakawa and they were inseparable till his last moments, calling the scenic city of Sante Fe their home.