Gene Hackman

**Eugene Allen Hackman** (January 30, 1930 – , 2025) was an American actor. He won two Academy Awards, his first for Best Actor for his role as Jimmy "Popeye" Doyle in William Friedkin's action thriller _The French Connection_ (1971) and his second for Best Supporting Actor for playing a sheriff in Clint Eastwood's Western _Unforgiven_ (1992). He was also nominated for an Oscar for his roles in _Bonnie and Clyde_ (1967), _I Never Sang for My Father_ (1970) and in _Mississippi Burning_ (1988).

## Early life

Hackman was born in San Bernardino, California. His parents divorced while he was a child, and he moved from one place to another until he settled finally in Danville, Illinois, where he lived with his English-born grandmother. He left home at 16 years old to join the Marines, where he served three years as a radio operator.

Having finished his service, he moved to New York, where he worked in several minor jobs. He then studied television (TV) production and journalism at the University of Illinois.

## Career

Already over 30 years old, Hackman decided to become an actor, and joined the Pasadena Playhouse in California. It was in that school that Hackman became friends with another man named Dustin Hoffman, who also wanted to be an actor. After working hard in many roles he became a well-respected actor. He won two Academic Awards, and has played many well-known roles.

## Death

In the final months of his life, Hackman's neighbors in Santa Fe, New Mexico, noticed that his health got worse. Hackman's wife, Betsy Arakawa died in their home on February 12, 2025. Hackman was unable to understand her death because he had Alzheimer's disease.

Hackman died in the home around February 18, 2025, at which point his pacemaker recorded an abnormal rhythm. He died from severe heart disease, caused by advanced Alzheimer's disease and kidney disease. Hackman was 95.

On February 26, the bodies of Hackman, Arakawa, and one of their dogs, named Zinna, were found. The other two of the couple's dogs were found alive in the home.

## Filmography

- _ Welcome to Mooseport_ (2004)
- _ Runaway Jury_ (2003)
- _ Behind Enemy Lines_ (2001)
- _ The Royal Tenenbaums_ (2001)
- _ Heist_ (2001)
- _ Heartbreakers_ (2001)
- _ The Mexican_ (2001)
- _ The Replacements_ (2000)
- _ Under Suspicion_ (2000)
- _ Enemy of the State_ (1998)
- _ Twilight_ (1998)
- _ Absolute Power_ (1997)
- _ The Chamber_ (1996)
- _ Extreme Measures_ (1996)
- _ The Birdcage_ (1996)
- _ Get Shorty_ (1995)
- _ Crimson Tide_ (1995)
- _ The Quick and the Dead_ (1995)
- _ Wyatt Earp_ (1994)
- _ Geronimo: An American Legend_ (1993)
- _ The Firm_ (1993)
- _ Unforgiven_ (1992)
- _ Company Business_ (1991)
- _ Class Action_ (1991)
- _ Loose Cannons_ (1990)
- _ Postcards from the Edge_ (1990)
- _ Narrow Margin_ (1990)
- _ The Package_ (1988)
- _ Bat*21_ (1988)
- _ Mississippi Burning_ (1988)
- _ No Way Out_ (1987)
- _ Another Woman_ (1987)
- _ Superman IV: The Quest for Peace_ (1987)
- _ Hoosiers_ (1986)
- _ Power_ (1986)
- _ Target_  (1985)
- _ Twice In A Lifetime_ (1985)
- _ Eureka_ (1984)
- _ Misunderstood_ (1984)
- _ Uncommon Valor_ (1983)
- _ Under Fire_ (1983)
- _ Reds_ (1981)
- _ Superman II_ (19810)
- _ All Night Long_ (1981)
- _ Superman_ (1978)
- _ The Domino Principle_ (1978)
- _ A Bridge Too Far (1977)
- _ March Or Die_ (1977)
- _ French Connection II_ (1975)
- _ Lucky Lady_ (1975)
- _ Night Moves_ (1975)
- _ The Conversation_ (1974)
- _ Bite the Bullet_ (1974)
- _ Young Frankenstein_ (1974)
- _ Scarecrow_ (1973)
- _ The Poseidon Adventure_ (1972)
- _ Prime Cut_ (1972)
- _ The Hunting Party_ (1971)
- _ The French Connection_ (1971)
- _ I Never Sang for My Father_ (1970)
- _ Downhill Racer_ (1969)
- _ Marooned_ (1969)
- _ The Gypsy Moths_ (1969)
- _ Bonnie and Clyde_ (1967)
- _ Hawaii_ (1966)
- _ Lilith'' (1964)

## Infobox (actor)

- **name**: Gene Hackman
- **birthname**: Eugene Allen Hackman
- **image**: Gene Hackman - 1972.jpg
- **caption**: Hackman in 1972
- **birth place**: San Bernardino, California, San Bernardino, California, United States, U.S.
- **death place**: Santa Fe, New Mexico, Santa Fe, New Mexico, U.S.
- **death cause**: Heart disease caused by Alzheimer's disease
- **nationality**: United States, American
- **occupation**: Actor
- **years active**: 1959–2004
- **children**: 3