Gene Hackman is an American retired actor and novelist known for his versatile performances across a career spanning over six decades.
Wiki/Biography
Gene Hackman was born Eugene Allen Hackman on January 30, 1930, in San Bernardino, California, USA. He is an American retired actor and novelist best known for his versatile roles in Hollywood films. He grew up in Illinois and enlisted in the United States Marine Corps at the age of 16, where he served for almost five years before pursuing a career in acting. Hackman studied journalism and television production at the University of Illinois, later attending the Pasadena Playhouse to hone his acting skills.
Physical Appearance
- Height: 6 feet 2 inches (188 cm)
- Weight: Approximately 80 kg (176 lbs)
- Eye Color: Blue
- Hair Color: Gray (previously brown)
Family
- Father: Eugene Ezra Hackman (Printing Press Operator)
- Mother: Anna Lyda Elizabeth Hackman
- Siblings: None known
- Marital Status: Married
- Wife:
- Fay Maltese (m. 1956–1986, divorced)
- Betsy Arakawa (m. 1991–present)
- Children: 3 (Christopher Hackman, Elizabeth Hackman, Leslie Hackman)
Career
Gene Hackman’s career spanned over six decades, during which he played a variety of roles across different genres. He gained recognition in 1967 for his role in Bonnie and Clyde and achieved stardom with his Academy Award-winning performance in The French Connection (1971).
Some of his most notable films include:
- The French Connection (1971) – Oscar-winning role as Popeye Doyle
- The Poseidon Adventure (1972)
- The Conversation (1974)
- Superman (1978) – Played Lex Luthor
- Mississippi Burning (1988)
- Unforgiven (1992) – Won his second Academy Award
- The Firm (1993)
- The Royal Tenenbaums (2001)
In 2004, Hackman retired from acting to focus on writing novels.
Death
On February 26, 2025, Gene Hackman and his wife, Betsy Arakawa, were discovered deceased in their residence in Santa Fe, New Mexico. According to investigations, Arakawa passed away approximately a week before Hackman due to hantavirus pulmonary syndrome, a rare illness caused by exposure to rodent droppings. Hackman, who had been struggling with heart disease and advanced Alzheimer’s, is believed to have died around February 18, 2025, from cardiac complications. Their dog, Zinna, was also found dead due to dehydration and starvation.
The news of their deaths led to an outpouring of tributes from the entertainment industry. Clint Eastwood described Hackman as “an intense and instinctive actor” and expressed his deep sorrow over the loss of a dear friend. Francis Ford Coppola praised Hackman as a “magnificent and inspiring actor” known for the depth and complexity of his performances. Other industry legends, including Morgan Freeman, Dustin Hoffman, Glenn Close, Tom Hanks, and Viola Davis, also honored Hackman’s legacy, emphasizing his significant influence on cinema.
Despite his passing, Gene Hackman’s legacy lives on through his exceptional work in film and literature, leaving a lasting impact on the world of arts and entertainment.
Awards and Achievements
- Academy Awards (Oscars):
- Best Actor – The French Connection (1971)
- Best Supporting Actor – Unforgiven (1992)
- Golden Globe Awards: 4 wins
- BAFTA Awards: 1 win
- Screen Actors Guild Awards: 1 win
- Hollywood Walk of Fame: Honored in 2012
Favorites
- Favorite Actor: Marlon Brando
- Favorite Director: Clint Eastwood
- Hobbies: Writing, Cycling, Traveling
- Favorite Sports: Football, Basketball
Facts/Trivia
- Hackman enlisted in the U.S. Marine Corps at age 16, lying about his age.
- He was roommates with Dustin Hoffman while studying acting at the Pasadena Playhouse.
- His breakthrough role in Bonnie and Clyde was originally meant for another actor.
- Despite playing Lex Luthor in Superman, he initially refused to shave his head for the role.
- He is a published novelist, having co-written several historical fiction books after retirement.
- Hackman has not given an on-camera interview since 2004, maintaining a private life in New Mexico.