Gene Hackman, a legendary actor with a career spanning over five decades, is renowned for his captivating performances in a wide range of films. Known for his versatility, Hackman has played both heroes and villains with equal intensity and skill. With an Academy Award under his belt and a slew of other accolades, he is considered one of the greatest actors of his generation. Whether portraying a ruthless criminal or a determined lawman, Hackman's performances have left an indelible mark on Hollywood. After retiring from acting in the early 2000s, he shifted his focus to writing, leaving behind a legacy of unforgettable characters and powerful performances.

Ten Facts About Gene Hackman:

• Born on January 30, 1930, in San Bernardino, California.
• Hackman served in the U.S. Marine Corps before pursuing a career in acting.
• He made his film debut in Lilith (1964) but gained major recognition with The French Connection (1971), for which he won an Academy Award for Best Actor.
• He starred in iconic films like The Conversation (1974), Superman (1978), and Unforgiven (1992).
• Hackman won two Academy Awards: Best Actor for The French Connection and Best Supporting Actor for Unforgiven.
• Known for his powerful voice, Hackman also provided narration for several documentaries and voice roles in animated films like The Royal Tenenbaums (2001).
• He was nominated for five Golden Globe Awards, winning two.
• Hackman worked alongside many of Hollywood's biggest stars, including Clint Eastwood, Al Pacino, and Warren Beatty.
• He retired from acting in 2004 after his final film role in Welcome to Mooseport (2004).
• Outside of acting, Hackman is an accomplished author, having written several novels including Wake of the Perdido Star (1999).