Acting Legend Gene Hackman, Supermans Gleeful Foil, Has Died
gizmodo.com
The legendary actor Gene Hackmana two-time Oscar winner whos varied career has spanned a whole swathe of cinematic classicshas been found dead at his Santa Fe home, along with his wife, the pianist Betsy Arakawa, at the age of 95. In a statement to the Santa Fe New Mexican, County Sheriff Adan Mendoza confirmed that Hackman and Arakawa had been found dead Wednesday, with the Press Association further confirming there is an active investigation into the deathsalthough as of writing, Mendoza added that there are no immediate suspicions of foul play, and no cause of death has been publicly released. Starting his career in the early 1960s with uncredited TV roles, Hackman would shoot to Hollywood stardom with his breakout performance in 1967s Bonnie and Clyde, earning him his first nod at the Oscars. But it would be another five years before he won an Academy Award, for his turn as Jimmy Popeye Doyle, the detective at the heart ofThe French Connection, following it up 20 years later with a Best Supporting Actor win in 1992 as Sheriff Bill Daggett in Clint EastwoodsUnforgiven. Hackman married Arakawa, 63, in 1991, and would eventually retire from acting in 2004 to pursue an interest in writing. His final novel, the police thrillerPursuit, released in 2013. But Hackman would become beloved among pop culture fans for his role as Lex Luthor in the 1978Superman movie, starring alongside Christopher Reeve. Playing the man of steels genius nemesis more against type from his comic book counterpart, Hackmans Luthor amplified a more comedic spin on the villain, a slimy, campy salesman unabashed in his greed and villainy. Hackman went on to reprise the role inSuperman IIalthough he exited the film when director Richard Donner was fired, with a body double impersonating Hackman used to finish his scenesas well as the fourth movie in the franchise,The Quest For Peace. Hackman is survived by three children from his first marriage to Faye Maltese, Christopher Allen, Elizabeth Jean, and Leslie Anne Hackman. Want more io9 news? Check out when to expect the latest Marvel, Star Wars, and Star Trek releases, whats next for the DC Universe on film and TV, and everything you need to know about the future of Doctor Who.
0 Comments ·0 Shares ·66 Views