Born Eugene Allen Hackman on January 30, 1930, in San Bernardino, California, Gene Hackman is a retired American actor and author, widely recognized for his versatile performances. Before entering the acting realm in the 1960s, he served as a radio operator in the United States Marine Corps. Over his illustrious career, Hackman became one of the most respected actors of his generation, celebrated for his compelling roles across various film genres.

Hackman’s breakthrough came in 1967 with his portrayal of Buck Barrow in Bonnie and Clyde, which earned him his first Academy Award nomination for Best Supporting Actor. He then went on to star in iconic films of the 1970s and 1980s, including The French Connection (1971), where he won the Academy Award for Best Actor for his role as Detective Popeye Doyle, and The Poseidon Adventure (1972). He also received a Golden Globe Award for his performance in The French Connection.

Throughout his career, Hackman showcased his range by taking on challenging roles in films such as Unforgiven (1992), Crimson Tide (1995), and The Royal Tenenbaums (2001). He appeared in several popular action films, including Superman: The Movie and Enemy of the State, amassing over 100 film credits and nominations for five Academy Awards, two Golden Globe Awards, and one British Academy Film Award.

In addition to his acting achievements, Hackman is a talented author, with notable works like Justice for None (2004) and Payback at Morning Peak (2017) to his name.

Now retired from acting, Hackman resides in Santa Fe, New Mexico, with his wife, Betsy Arakawa. He has not formally announced his retirement, but he has expressed a desire to step back from the industry, acknowledging that while he misses acting, he is no longer interested in pursuing it. In an interview, he reflected on his nearly six-decade career, citing the stress and compromises of the film industry as factors in his decision to retire.

In a rare interview with the New York Post in 2021, marking the 50th anniversary of The French Connection, Hackman admitted he hasn’t watched the film since its initial release. He remarked, “If the movie has a legacy, I’m not sure what that would be,” describing it as a respectful narrative of a policeman tackling crime in New York.

Hackman’s last film appearance was in Welcome to Mooseport (2004). Despite his absence from the industry, fans appreciate his significant contributions to cinema over the years.

Married to Betsy Arakawa since 1991, Hackman has no children, but the couple enjoys a happy, quiet life in Santa Fe, where they maintain a low profile. However, he has been spotted occasionally, including at a musical concert in May 2022.

Recently, the New York Post observed Hackman, who celebrated his 93rd birthday in January 2023, out and about in Santa Fe, looking fit and healthy. He was seen visiting a fast-food restaurant and a gas station, dressed casually in jeans, a pullover, a vest, and a hat, exuding a sense of vitality.

Reports also indicated that Hackman was spotted doing yard work at his home, which he transformed into his permanent residence in the 1990s. His commitment to cycling has been a key factor in maintaining his health, although he faced a serious accident in 2012 when a car struck him while he was cycling in Key West, Florida, requiring hospitalization for his injuries.

In a 2011 interview with GQ, when asked how he wished to be remembered, Hackman simply stated, “As a competent actor… someone who has made an honest effort to convey the information that has been provided to them.” He acknowledged that he doesn’t often dwell on his legacy, stating, “I’ve reached the point in my life when I really need to give it some thought.”