Remembering Gene Hackman

We learned today that Gene Hackman died at the age of 95. And it looks like Santa Fe Police have a mystery worthy of Popeye Doyle to solve. Back when I used to go to the movies, when a film came out and Gene Hackman was in it - it was probably going to be pretty good.

Eugene Allen Hackman was a force to be reckoned with in Hollywood. He was the type of actor who was always working. For over fifty years, from 1961 when he played a cop in the movie Mad Dog Coll to 2004 when he retired from acting - he leaves an indelible mark on cinema.

He portrayed complex, unforgettable characters like Popeye Doyle in the French Connection or Coach Dale in Hoosiers. Nominated five times, he won two Oscars and garnished numerous critically acclaimed performances. Some of the tweets on X describe Hackman as "Brilliant, "Legend", and "Icon".

From the Marines to the Silver Screen

Before captivating audiences, Hackman served in the U.S. Marines (1947–1952) as a field radio operator and broadcast journalist, stationed in Qingdao, China. As part of Operation Beleaguer, he was involved in dismantling Japanese military equipment to prevent its use by communist forces. Though he had always harbored a passion for acting, it was only after leaving the Marines that he pursued his dream, using the GI Bill to study journalism and television production at the University of Illinois. His true calling came into focus after watching a movie with his mother—upon leaving the theater, she said, "I want to see you do that someday." That moment became his inspiration to chase a career in acting.

Breaking into Hollywood

Hackman enrolled at the Pasadena Playhouse, where he met and befriended Dustin Hoffman. Both were humorously voted "Least Likely to Succeed" by their peers, a label they would each go on to defy spectacularly. Early in his career, Hackman took on television roles, including appearances on Route 66, before making a name for himself in cinema.

His breakthrough role came in Bonnie and Clyde (1967), where he played Buck Barrow, earning his first Academy Award nomination for Best Supporting Actor. This was just the beginning of a prolific career.

An Award-Winning Career

Hackman’s dedication to his craft led to some of the most memorable performances in film history. His Academy Award-winning roles include:

Best Actor (The French Connection, 1971) – Portraying Detective Jimmy "Popeye" Doyle in this gritty crime thriller solidified his place among Hollywood’s elite. He is credited in IMBD for doing his own stunts in this film.

Best Supporting Actor (Unforgiven, 1992) – As the ruthless sheriff Little Bill Daggett, Hackman delivered one of his most chilling performances.

Beyond these wins, he was also nominated for his roles in I Never Sang for My Father (1970)

and Mississippi Burning(1988), proving his ability to bring depth to every character he played.

Iconic Films and Unforgettable Performances

Gene Hackman didn't just act in dramas - his roles included action thrillers and comedies. Some of my personal favorite films of his include:

Young Frankenstein (1974) – A rare comedic turn as the blind hermit in Mel Brooks’ classic parody.

Hoosiers (1986) – As Coach Norman Dale, he embodied the heart and grit of small-town basketball, inspiring audiences for generations.

Crimson Tide (1995) – Playing Captain Frank Ramsey, he commanded the screen in this high-stakes submarine thriller.

The Firm (1993) – Starring alongside Tom Cruise, he gave a nuanced performance as a morally conflicted lawyer.

The Birdcage (1996) – Showcasing his comedic timing as conservative Senator Kevin Keeley in this beloved comedy.

The Royal Tenenbaums (2001) – As the flawed but charismatic Royal Tenenbaum, Hackman brought humor and poignancy to Wes Anderson’s offbeat family drama.

Scarecrow (1973) – A personal favorite of Hackman’s, this underrated film, co-starring Al Pacino, showcased his depth as an actor.

A Quiet Retirement

In 2004, Hackman retired from acting, choosing to focus on painting, writing, and architecture. A passionate designer, he helped create over ten homes, including a stunning New Mexican mansion featured in Architectural Digest. He also turned to writing, co-authoring three novels between 1998 and 2008 before publishing two solo works, Payback at Morning Peak (2011) and Pursuit (2013), a police thriller.

An avid cyclist, he stayed in remarkable shape well into his 90s. He found solace in Santa Fe, New Mexico, drawn there after filming several movies in the region.

Reflections on a Storied Life

Though Hackman avoided interviews, he reflected on his career in a 2001 New York Post article, calling it a “checkered career of hits and misses.” 

The Legacy Leaves Behind a Mystery

Hackman was married twice—first to Fay Maltese (1956–1986), with whom he had three children, and later to pianist Betsy Arakawa. He passed away in his Santa Fe home, alongside his wife and their dog - an investigation is ongoing. The police initially said it was not suspicious, leading everyone to think they were the victims of unfortunate carbon monoxide poisoning. However, as I was writing this article, reports now indicate the police are ruling the deaths as 'suspicious'. From what I could tell from X - the front door was wide open, his wife was found dead in the bathroom, Gene was found in the mudroom and one of their three dogs was found dead as well. The other two dogs appear to be fine were walking around the property when police came to the home. Very sad - and the internet goes amuck with rumors and speculation - unfortunately overshadowing the loss of these human lives (and a canine).

Gene Hackman’s career was built on hard work, talent, and an unwavering commitment to acting. A job which he loved. Whether playing a tough detective, a troubled coach, or a quirky patriarch, he brought authenticity and depth to every role. As audiences continue to discover and rediscover his films, his legacy remains strong.

In a 2015 GQ interview he was asked "How do you want to be remembered?" he said, "As a decent actor. As someone who tried to portray what was given to them in an honest fashion." When asked to sum up his life, he retorted, "He tried."

You succeeded Mr. Hackman. Gene Hackman’s work will continue to inspire, proving that great acting isn’t just about delivering lines—it’s about living the role. Rest in Peace - Mr. and Mrs. Hackman, and thanks for entertaining us.

Sources: NY Post, GQ, CNN: Larry King Interview, Architectural Digest, Department of Defense