Normally, I would spend the days leading up to the Academy Awards writing my annual Oscars post, in which I predict (often with uncanny accuracy) the winners in all 23 categories. However, my plans changed after I woke up yesterday to news that one of my favorite actors, undeniable master thespian Gene Hackman, had died. His body was discovered in the New Mexico home he shared with his wife, Betsy Arakawa, and their dog, both of whom were also found dead, the cause of death unknown as I write this.
Eugene Allen Hackman, who was 95 at the time of his passing, led a full life, but the suspicious manner in which he appears to have died delivered quite a gut punch to this long-time fan. Hackman retired from the Hollywood scene in 2004 and spent his later years fly fishing and writing Western novels, but his industry colleagues remember him fondly, tweeting tributes more generous than anything I can write here. If there is a silver lining to the legendary actor, ex-Marine, and Pasadena Playhouse alum’s passing, it is that he left behind a rich library of work.
Continue reading “Top Ten Gene Hackman Roles: A Tribute”
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