We lost another legend - Rest in Peace Gene Hackman

Gene Hackman was unique when it came to Hollywood. His talent led him to be able to play many roles in many different genres of movies. While primarily appearing in action thrillers like Behind Enemy Lines, Enemy of the State and Crimson Tide, he showed he had quite the comedic touch with his work Get Shorty, the Royal Tenenbaums, and his last movie Welcome to Mooseport. Surprisingly, I also just realized that he was in Antz of all movies. But I think the 2 roles that I remember him from most were Coach Norman Dale in Hoosers and Lex Luthor in the Superman movies. He was Lex Luthor for me for a while. Growing up watching those earlier Superman movies and seeing him as Lex, even though he had hair, he embodied that character to me. I think one of the interesting things about Gene Hackman is that he actually retired from Hollywood. After his last movie in 2004, besides a few narrator gids, he stepped away. Not many people actually do that. It's rare. But it's not like he had anything left to prove. Gene was nominated for 170 awards during his career and won 78 of them. This includes 2 Academy Awards: one for Best Actor in The French Connection and one for Best Supporting Actor in Unforgiven.

Gene's life outside of acting was anything but boring. Serving for 5 years in the United States Marine Corps where he was awarded the National Defense Service Medal, the Navy Occupation Service Medal, and the China Service Medal. In the 70s and 80s he got into the Sports Car Club of America and raced open-wheeled Formula Fords. He even won the Long Beach Toyota Pro/Celebrity Race. He also was part of Team Toyota for the 1983 24 Hour Daytona Endurance Race. He also did architecture in his down time, with 2 of his designs making it into Architectural Digest. Oh and let's not forget that he was an accomplished writer. Gene wrote a total of 5 books in his life spanning many different timelines and settings. 

Sadly Gene Hackman passed this month at 95. He along with his wife Betsy Arakawa were found in their home in New Mexico. He left behind 3 kids. So go watch one of his many movies and remember all he brought to us.