Gene Hackman’s acting life spanned over half a century, earning him recognition as one of Hollywood’s veteran and award-winning actors. From his beginning in the classic Bonnie and Clyde to Oscar-winning roles in The French Connection and Unforgiven, Hackman earned people’s hearts with his performances.
His love for narrating did not stop on the big screen, as he headed towards a successful career in writing after retiring. When Hackman retired in 2004, he opted for a private life with his wife Betty Arakawa. Sadly, Hackman and Arakawa were found dead in their residence recently, and investigations are ongoing to identify the cause. Here is a list of beloved and iconic movies the actor will be remembered for.
Dennis Hopper and Gene Hackman on the set of 1986’s ‘Hoosiers’
Dennis Hopper and Gene Hackman starred in the 1986 sports drama Hoosiers, a film about a high school basketball team. Hackman played the hard-bitten coach, while Hopper received an Oscar nomination for playing the team’s passionate assistant coach.
Gene Hackman in ‘French Connection II’
Gene Hackman reprised his iconic role as Detective Popeye Doyle in French Connection II in 1975. The sequel followed Doyle’s relentless pursuit of a drug kingpin in Marseille, earning Hackman much-deserved critical acclaim.
Gene Hackman and Clint Eastwood for ‘Unforgiven’
Gene Hackman and Clint Eastwood celebrated their Academy Award wins for Unforgiven at the 1993 Oscars. Hackman won Best Supporting Actor for his role as the ruthless Sheriff Little Bill Daggett, while the latter took home the Best Director and Best Picture awards.
‘Scarecrow’ with Al Pacino
Gene Hackman and Al Pacino play two drifters — an ex-con and a former sailor, traveling across America. Scarecrow explored the unlikely friendship between their characters, and earned praise for its emotional depth.
Alongside Terrence Hill in 1977’s ‘March Or Die’
In March Or Die, Gene Hackman played a hardened French Foreign Legion officer who leads his men on a mission in Morocco. The war action film also starred Terence Hill, with whom Hackman’s character faces moral decisions and dilemmas.
The late actor indeed captivated the world with his brilliant acting skills and his death has raised curiosity among his fans who are eagerly awaiting his toxicology report to know the cause of his death.