The Santa Fe County Sheriff’s Office in New Mexico announced Thursday, February 17, 2025, that actor Gene Hackman had passed away at home with his wife, pianist Betsy Arakawa, and their dog.

According to a sheriff’s office spokesperson who talked to USA TODAY, deputies discovered the actor, 95, and Arakawa, 64, dead in different rooms on Wednesday at approximately 1:45 p.m. The investigation into his death is still ongoing

Gene Hackman was the quintessential New Hollywood star, one of the first big movie stars to emerge in the 1970s. His grit and brusqueness were unmatched by many actors, and his livewire intensity made him an ideal fit for the kinds of anti-heroic, morally murky characters that would characterize the decade’s Hollywood upheaval. He displays frightening energy and a thirst for justice in his Oscar-winning performance as a violent, thuggish police officer on a mission in The French Connection. His gritted teeth during the film’s famous car chase scene take it from good to outstanding. The part may have been one note in the hands of another actor, but Hackman made it memorable. 

However, Hackman’s portrayal of Lex Luthor in the 1978 Superman film, costarring with Christopher Reeve, would win him a devoted following among pop culture enthusiasts. Hackman’s portrayal of Luthor, the man of steel’s brilliant adversary, was more comical than his comic book version. He was a slimy, campy salesperson who was unapologetically greedy and evil. Hackman later returned to the role in Superman II (although he left the picture after director Richard Donner was dismissed, and a body double completed his sequences) and The Quest For Peace, the fourth installment in the series.

His performances were always realistic, even in movies that featured unrealism. Look back at every science fiction and superhero role in Gene Hackman’s long career.

5. Superman IV: The Quest For Peace (1987)

Directed By Sidney J. Furie

The Quest for Peace is a complete misrepresentation of Superman’s character and the plot. It feels like Cold War propaganda and blames the conflict on nuclear weapons. Nuclear Man is the worst villain in a superhero film, surpassing even Arnold Schwarzenegger’s Mr. Freeze from Batman & Robin. The film also fails to capture the essence of the conflict, as a Nuclear man brings a girl into outer space, a concept that even 10-year-olds can understand. After defeating the Nuclear Man, Superman makes a speech explaining that he cannot bring peace alone, wasting the film’s entire point. This film is considered the worst superhero film ever made, compared to other films like Batman & Robin and Fantastic 4.

Gene Hackman and Margot Kidder agreed to return to the fourth movie as a favor to Reeve. While the movie is hot garbage, Hackman doesn’t phone it in. He gives a four-star performance for a one-star film.

4. Marooned (1969)

Directed By John Sturges

In this slow-paced, near-future science fiction movie, three astronauts are on a protracted mission on a space station. They are stranded in orbit after an equipment failure returning to Earth. Regretfully, there doesn’t seem to be a method to save them in time, so the people aboard the ship and at NASA know that their oxygen supply is running low.

Since John Glenn’s maiden flight, we’ve wondered what would happen if the re-entry rockets failed. Would the astronauts keep orbiting until their air ran out? The leader of the space program, played by Gregory Peck, contends that they do. He claims that starting a rescue effort would cost more lives than it would save, but the president overrules him.

Gene Hackman, Richard Crenna, and James Franciscus provide strong performances in the action-packed scenes within the capsule. This is especially true since they spend most of the time tied down and wearing helmets, which would be terrible for a method actor. But Hackman is perfect, going slowly crazy.

4. Young Frankenstein

Mel Brooks’ parody of classic Hammer monster movies is perfect for the Oscar winner. Gene Wilder and Hackman grew close after filming Bonnie and Clyde. While playing tennis one day, Wilder mentioned that he and Mel Brooks were working on another film. He said, “Do you think Mel would let me play it?” Hackman said. “I’ve always wanted to do a comedy.” Brooks cast him in an uncredited cameo as a blind hermit who takes in Peter Boyle’s bolt-necked creature.

To find the moment hilarious and enjoy how Hackman embraces its absurdity like a seasoned member of Brooks’ rep company, you don’t need to be aware that it is a direct spoof of a similar sequence in Frankenstein.

And the perfect conclusion, where the recluse laments the monster’s hurried departure by saying, “I was going to make espresso!” It was an ad-lib from Hackman.

3. Shadow on the Land (1968)

Directed By Richard C. Sarafian

Shadow on the Land is a TV movie from the 1960s. In the not-too-distant future, in the USA, patriots fight against a fascist dictatorship. Hackman’s balancing on a moral tightrope as a Reverend torn between his conscience, family, faith, and “duty to country.”

It’s dull and full of lousy television acting, but it made me realize how gifted Gene was—even at the relatively young age of 39, he could outshine everyone.

2. Superman II (1981)

Directed By Richard Lester, Richard Donner

Hackman’s portrayal of Luthor’s character isn’t as memorable as in the first film. How can it be with three superpowered villains destroying the country? But there’s no denying that Gene Hackman’s portrayal of Lex Luthor in “Superman II” (1981) is a highlight. His effortless comedic timing almost “steals the movie” with his hilariously cunning portrayal of the villain.

Gene Hackman plays subservient to the power-mad General Zod. But it’s revealed that he’s carefully manipulating the Kryptonian to destroy Superman. It’s another example of Hackman’s realistic acting in unrealistic films

1. Superman: The Movie (1978)

Directed By Richard Donner

When the producers were casting Superman, they wanted to surround the relatively unknown Christopher Reeves with almost all the actors. So they grabbed Marlon Brando and 48-year-old Gene Hackman.

Lex Luthor, a DC villain, appears to emerge from a comic book artist’s pencil. He spends his days with his henchwoman and toady Otis. Hackman’s portrayal of Luthor captures the balance between being fun and silly. However, he exudes genuine menace when he tries to kill Superman with a Kryptonite chain. It’s a masterful balance and a testimony to Hackman’s legendary acting skills.

Hackman is survived by three children from his first marriage to Faye Maltese, Christopher Allen, Elizabeth Jean, and Leslie Anne Hackman.

Which is your favorite role that Gene Hackman played? Let us know in the comments below!