Remembering Gene Hackman: A Legendary Hollywood Career Spanning Six Decades
Story by Mitchell Smith
Eugene Allen Hackman was born on January 30, 1930, in San Bernardino, California. Raised in Danville, Illinois, he had a difficult childhood, marked by his parents’ divorce and his father’s abandonment of the family. At the age of 16, he left home and joined the U.S. Marine Corps, where he served for nearly five years. After his military service, Hackman pursued a career in journalism and radio before enrolling at the Pasadena Playhouse in California to study acting. Ironically, he and fellow aspiring actor Dustin Hoffman were once voted the least likely to succeed by their classmates. Undeterred, Hackman moved to New York City, where he worked various jobs while honing his craft in off-Broadway and television roles.
Hackman’s breakthrough came in 1967 when he played Buck Barrow in Bonnie and Clyde, earning his first Academy Award nomination for Best Supporting Actor. His career soared in the 1970s with his role as Jimmy “Popeye” Doyle in The French Connection. He followed up with a string of critically acclaimed performances, including The Poseidon Adventure, The Conversation, and Night Moves. Hackman also had many rolls in the 1980s and 1990s. He played Lex Luthor in Superman: The Movie and its sequels and also played the ruthless sheriff Little Bill Daggett in Clint Eastwood’s Unforgiven. He continued his success with memorable roles in The Firm, Crimson Tide, Enemy of the State, and The Replacements.
Unfortunately Hackman and his wife Betsy Arakawa were found dead at their home. Cause of death is undetermined at the time. Hackman had a remarkable career and will be missed by many. His career spanning over 6 decades will etch his name in the Hollywood walls for those to look back and remember his work in the industry. RIP Mr Hackman.
