‘Tough Guy’ Gene Hackman Made His Bones in Dramas — But His Comedic Chops Were Wildly Underrated

New York Post ^ | Feb. 27, 2025 | Johnny Oleksinski

[nickcarraway]

Words you see a lot on Gene Hackman’s extensive film resume: Lieutenant, Sergeant, Detective, Sheriff.

The movie star, who was found dead Wednesday at age 95 at home in New Mexico, was famous for playing admirals, generals, multiple (fictitious) presidents, coaches, a reverend, a senator and myriad other upright authority figures over his five-decade career in Hollywood.

But his portrayals, like his life, were full of fascinating contradictions. Popeye Doyle wasn’t just another detective, and Gene Hackman was not just another actor. Hackman was born in San Bernardino, California, in 1930 and eventually settled with his grandmother in Danville, Illinois.

[nickcarraway]

If you haven't seen The Conversation, see it.

[nickcarraway]

Do you have any more like him down there?

[Big Red Badger]

Young Frankenstein——

[dfwgator]

Hoosiers was my favorite, both he and Dennis Hopper were fantastic in it.

[military cop]

Get Shorty.

[Skywise]

Surprised I haven’t heard much talk about his role in The Poseidon Adventure

[Hot Tabasco]

His movies are played so often on TV and cable, that I thought he was still acting. I had no idea that he had retired 20 years ago......RIP Gene, you were one of the greatest.....:(

[foundedonpurpose]

“I don’t deserve to die, I was building a house.”

[Sawdring]

I loved him in Superman!

[shelterguy]

Excellent flick.

[LittleBillyInfidel]

He was brilliant with the pathos of his character in THE FIRM.

[JZelle]

“Deserve doesn’t have anything to do with it “

[DIRTYSECRET]

Fox News coming up short. I was expecting some nice things being said about him on The 5. Just on the scene circumstances on Special Report and toxicology stuff on Laura. Disappointed. Perhaps that’s not their department but he was a great actor.

[noiseman]

Hoosiers was my favorite, both he and Dennis Hopper were fantastic in it.

I loved Hoosiers. I would also put Crimson Tide at the top of my list. He was great in that, though it was frustrating to watch his character’s ego almost launch WWIII.

[freepertoo]

Miss Teschmacher!!!!!!

[Dr. Sivana]

I loved him in Superman!

Those of us who grew up on the comic books did not like how the writer (Mario Puzo) and director had Hackman portray Luthor.

Awful.

[vespa300]

He played a conservative Christian Senator in The Birdcage. Freakin Hilarious movie. He was hilarious too.

[Sawdring]

I never read the comic, I guess it reminds me of my childhood.

[Sawdring]

Miss Teschmacher Was beautiful!

[Governor Dinwiddie]

I agree. Hoosiers was my favorite too. I've seen it several times.