Gene Hackman’s career spanned over six decades and earned him two Oscars. See his best photos here.
Gene Hackman’s acting chops were no joke. The late retired film legend (born Eugene Allen Hackman on January 30, 1930) enjoyed a career that spanned over six decades until his retirement in 2004.
After cutting his teeth in TV parts and off-Broadway shows, Gene earned an Oscar nomination for 1967’s Bonnie & Clyde, basically his first major screen role. He would receive widespread acclaim for 1971’s The French Connection. He won his first Oscar for the part, which premiered a sequel in 1975. He won again 20 years later for the Clint Eastwood movie Unforgiven (1992). His other accolades include four Golden Globes, one Screen Actors Guild Award, two BAFTAs, and one Silver Bear.
Unfortunately, Gene and his wife, Betsy Arakawa, were both found dead in their New Mexico home in February 2025. Authorities said they did not suspect foul play and their cause of death was under investigation.
We’re remembering Gene’s life in photos in our gallery below.
Gene Hackman in 1967’s ‘Bonnie and Clyde’
Gene Hackman in 1968
Gene Hackman in 1969
Gene Hackman in 1971’s ‘The French Connection’
Gene Hackman in 1974’s ‘The Conversation’
Gene Hackman at the 2001 Premiere of ‘The Royal Tenenbaums’
Gene Hackman at the 2003 Golden Globes
Gene Hackman for ‘Antz’
Gene Hackman in 2001’s ‘Heist’
Gene Hackman in 2003’s ‘Runaway Jury’
Gene Hackman in 2004’s ‘Welcome to Mooseport’
Gene Hackman in 2006
Gene Hackman Smiling
