Gene Hackman has sadly passed away at the age of 95. The actor was one of the greatest performers in Hollywood, with over 80 films and two Academy Awards to his name, a career that shaped his legendary status within the film industry as the ultimate tough guy.

Unlike many of his contemporaries, Hackman found success later in life, breaking into the big screen in his 30s after years of odd jobs and rejections. Labelled as one of the worst aspiring actors of the Pasadena Playhouse in California, the title gave him motivation to pursue greatness in New York, where he shared bedrooms with other aspiring actors like Robert Duvall and Dustin Hoffman.

His participation in Bonnie and Clyde (1967) catapulted his name to the top tier list of male actors at the time, but it was his portrayal of “Popeye” Doyle in The French Connection (1971) that landed him his first Academy Award for Best Actor.

Gene Hackman’s versatility as an actor was one of his greatest strengths, allowing him to seamlessly transition between intense thrillers and sharp-witted comedies. He portrayed clever but morally dubious characters in Enemy of the State (1998) and The Firm (1993), while also giving comedic performances in films like Young Frankenstein (1974) and The Royal Tenenbaums (2001).

In 1978, the actor interpreted famous supervillain Lex Luthor in the first three Superman movies starring Christopher Reeve. His charisma and frightening presence were a perfect balance to deliver a character with both unmatched intelligence and evil intentions.

It was this same versatility and commanding screen presence that led him to work with legendary filmmaker Clint Eastwood, resulting in one of Hackman’s most memorable performances as the ruthless sheriff Little Bill Daggett, a man whose sense of justice was as brutal as the outlaws he pursued. This role cemented his name as one of the greatest actors of his generation and earned him his second Academy Award for Best Supporting Actor.

After his participation in the satire Welcome to Mooseport (2004), the actor announced his retirement due to health problems but continued his career as a writer, publishing up to eight books from 1999 to 2013.

A private and reserved man, he rarely gave interviews and avoided the public eye, preferring a peaceful life over the glitz of the film industry. In his late years, Hackman chose to live a quiet life in New Mexico with his wife, Betsy Arakawa.

Gene Hackman received 34 awards and 40 nominations internationally throughout his career. An accomplished artist, his impact on the history of cinema will remain untouched, and his performances will live on forever as proof of his undeniable talent.

That Shelf’s Editor-in-Chief Jason Gorber remembers Hackman as part of his weekly visit to CBC’s Metro Morning below: