Gene Hackman, known for his distinctive features that defied Hollywood’s conventional beauty standards, has passed away at the age of 95. He was a celebrated character actor recognized for his roles in films such as „French Connection,“ „Unforgiven,“ and „The Royal Tenenbaums.“ His body was discovered alongside his wife, Betsy Arakawa, at their home in Santa Fe, New Mexico, according to multiple U.S. media outlets citing the Santa Fe County Sheriff’s Office.
A sheriff’s spokesperson reported to ABC News and CNN that the couple was found during a welfare check initiated by a concerned neighbor. Tragically, their pet dog was also found deceased.
Retirement from Hollywood
Hackman retired from Hollywood decades ago, choosing to live a quieter life in rural Santa Fe with his second wife. At nearly 75, while many actors continued their careers, Hackman stepped back from the spotlight and turned his attention to writing. He authored several books, including the Civil War novel „Escape from Andersonville“ (2008) and the police thriller „Pursuit“ (2013), while maintaining his fitness well into his senior years.
Just before turning 88 in January 2018, Hackman was seen smiling in jeans and a baseball cap at a bicycle shop in Santa Fe, showcasing his new e-bike, which garnered admiration from Instagram users.
A Lifelong Passion for Acting
His last significant appearance on a Hollywood stage was long ago. In 2003, he received a lifetime achievement award at the 60th Golden Globe Awards, expressing his heartfelt gratitude for being able to fulfill his dream of becoming an actor. As a child, he was captivated by the magic of cinema, often watching films starring Johnny Weissmuller, John Wayne, Errol Flynn, and his idol, James Cagney.
Rise to Fame with „The French Connection“
Hackman’s breakthrough came in 1971 with „The French Connection,“ directed by William Friedkin, where he portrayed a tough drug enforcer in New York City. The role earned him both Oscar and Golden Globe accolades. Reflecting on the film in a 2021 interview, Hackman acknowledged its impact on his career but noted he had no plans to revisit it for its 50th anniversary.
Challenging Early Life
Born in Illinois to a printer and a waitress, Hackman’s childhood was marked by his father’s departure when he was a teenager. At 16, he enlisted in the U.S. Marine Corps before pursuing his passion for acting at the Pasadena Playhouse in California, where he studied alongside a young Dustin Hoffman. The two, deemed unlikely to succeed, later moved to New York City, sharing an apartment with Robert Duvall and supporting themselves through various odd jobs while honing their craft.
Oscar Nominations and Career Success
Hackman’s first significant role came in 1964 in „Lilith,“ followed by a part in „Bonnie and Clyde,“ which earned him his first Oscar nomination for Best Supporting Actor. After his success in „The French Connection,“ his career soared with roles in films like „Scarecrow,“ „The Conversation,“ and adaptations of John Grisham novels, solidifying his position among Hollywood’s elite.
He showcased his versatility in the comedy film „The Birdcage“ and won the Golden Bear at the Berlin Film Festival in 1989 for his role in the racism drama „Mississippi Burning.“ He also starred alongside Dustin Hoffman in „Runaway Jury.“ In 1993, he won another double honor at the Globes and Oscars for his portrayal of a sadistic sheriff in „Unforgiven,“ directed by Clint Eastwood.
Hackman’s final major performance was in the 2004 political satire „Welcome to Mooseport,“ where he played an arrogant former president. In an interview with Larry King, he expressed his desire to retire from acting, citing the compromises required in the industry.
No Sentimental Attachments
In a rare interview with „GQ“ in 2011, Hackman admitted he wasn’t sure where he kept his Oscar trophies, reflecting his non-sentimental nature. He acknowledged the ups and downs of his career but remained content with his decision to become an actor, hoping to be remembered as a decent performer who strived to portray his roles authentically.