Gene Hackman
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Eugene Allen Hackman (January 30, 1930 – February 26, 2025) was an American actor whose career spanned four decades. Renowned for his versatility, he earned numerous accolades, including two Academy Awards, two BAFTA Awards, and four Golden Globes.
Hackman won his first Academy Award for Best Actor with his portrayal of tough New York City detective Jimmy "Popeye" Doyle in William Friedkin’s action thriller The French Connection (1971). He later received the Oscar for Best Supporting Actor for his performance as the ruthless Sheriff in Clint Eastwood’s Western Unforgiven (1992). His acting prowess also earned him three additional Oscar nominations for his roles in Bonnie and Clyde (1967), I Never Sang for My Father (1970), and Mississippi Burning (1988).
Beyond his award-winning performances, Hackman became widely recognized for playing the iconic villain Lex Luthor in Superman (1978) and its sequel Superman II (1980). His extensive filmography includes The Poseidon Adventure (1972), Scarecrow (1973), The Conversation (1974), A Bridge Too Far (1977), Under Fire (1983), Power (1986), Loose Cannons (1990), The Firm (1993), The Quick and the Dead (1995), The Birdcage (1996), Enemy of the State (1998), Behind Enemy Lines (2001), and Runaway Jury (2003). Hackman retired from acting following his final role in Welcome to Mooseport (2004).