Gene Hackman.Photo: Vera Anderson/WireImage
Gene Hackmanis celebrating a milestone birthday!
The two-time Academy Award winner turned 90 on Thursday, and although it’s been over a decade since he’s starred in a film, the retired actor’s fans are still as adoring as ever.
“The magnificent Gene Hackman turns 90 years old today. Cheers toone of the all-timegreats,” wrote one fan on Twitter, as another added: “Happy Birthday #GeneHackman Thanks for all theawesomeness you brought to our lives.”
“90 wow! One of my favorite all time actors. Whenever he’s on the screen I’m watching him.His facial expressions are priceless#GeneHackman,” added a third, as yet another chimed in, writing: “Happy birthday to Gene Hackman aka one of the few actors that hasnever made a bad movie. Here’s hoping you enjoy many more incredible birthdays! Much respect!”
Among the many roles Hackman played throughout his career, one that touched a chord with many viewers was his role as Coach Norman Dale in the 1986 classicHoosiers.
Many others also gave the actor a shout-out for another memorable role: the infamousSupermanvillain Lex Luthor.
“Before @MrJonCryer, before Michael Rosenbaum… there was #GeneHackman,” wrote one social media user. “The best Lex Luthor ever seen on the big screen. I mean when you read the Superman comics & watched the 1978 film, you know youwatched a comic book character come to life.”
Hackman won two Academy Awards over the course of his decades-long career.
His first nomination came in 1967 forBonnie and Clydeand in 1971, which marked his third time getting an Oscar nod, he walked away with the statuette for his leading role as Jimmy “Popeye” Doyle inThe French Connection.
Hackman was nominated two more times, once in 1988 forMississippi Burningand again in 1992 forUnforgiven, which marked his second victory.
Despite his continued success,The Royal Tenenbaumsstarbid his industry adieuon July 7, 2004, tellingLarry Kingthat his career was “probably all over,” and that he had no new scripts in front of him. Confirming his retirement in 2008, he expanded on his thoughts several years later, tellingGQthat it would take a lot for him to make another film.
“I don’t know.If I could do it in my own house, maybe, without them disturbing anything and just one or two people,” he said, later telling the outlet that he just hopes to be remembered “as a decent actor.”
His last film was 2004’sWelcome to Mooseport, although he has since narrated two documentary films:The Unknown Flag Raiser of Iwo Jim(2016)andWe, the Marines(2017).
source: people.com
