RIP Gene Hackman (1930 - 2025)

 

 

Wrote this on my Facebook page at the time of his passing but for some reason failed to post on my blog as a way to keep a record of it. Unfortunately, not a fond memory but certainly a moment that will be marked in my lifetime as the disappearance of one of the most talented actors of all-time. 

Feb 27, 2025

Terrible news about the passing of Gene Hackman and his wife Betsy Arakawa.

 

Even just a couple of days ago, my wife and I were discussing Hackman’s health and how good of an actor he is.

As the sad news unfolds, it is hard for me not to think about the influence Hackman has had in the arts scene, as not only one of the best actors of his generation but indeed in history.

The man has always shown tremendous versatility, transforming into all sorts of people in his multitude of roles.

He’s done pretty much every genre from drama, comedy, action, thrillers... and played everything from the hero, the villain and all things in between, including some outstanding supporting roles and cameos.

There’s just too many great films to mention, but here’s some of the defining roles that I’ve loved watching:

French Connection, The Conversation, Unforgiven, The Royal Tenenbaums, Mississippi Burning, Birdcage, The Firm, The Quick and The Dead, Get Shorty, Runaway Jury and, of course, Superman: The Movie… a film that I have saved for last since it was here that I first got introduced to Hackman as Lex Luther, Kal El’s greatest antagonist and one of the most iconic villains of all-time.

 

 

Superman, as many of my friends will know, is my favourite fictional character and one that has inspired me as a child turning into a teenager and later on an adult. It continues to be as big of a reference as I have and Hackman, through his role - along with the likes of a Jack Nicholson - has showed me how to distance myself from charismatic villains who, despite talking a good talk, only wish to see the world burn either by due to their own personal greed, sheer madness or a combination of both.

Lex was only the beginning for me and having seen so many of his astonishing roles, I have yet to watch other classics such as Reds, A Bridge Too Far , Hoosiers, No Way Out, Night Moves, Enemy of The State and many others.

Hopefully I’ll be able to dive into many of these in years to come... so I can remember the outstanding body of work that the brilliant Gene Hackman has gifted us all.