The world woke up to sad news yesterday as it was confirmed that Gene Hackman had passed away at the age of 95. His illustrious career spanned over four decades, and he received numerous accolades which include two Academy Awards, four Golden Globe Awards and two British Academy Film Awards.
He won Best Actor for his iconic portrayal of Jimmy “Popeye” Doyle in the 1971 film The French Connection, directed by William Friedkin. He also took home the Oscar for Best Supporting Actor for his role as the ruthless Sheriff in Clint Eastwood’s 1992 Western film Unforgiven.
While horror fans love him for his portrayal of the blind hermit in Young Frankenstein, Hackman was in a ton of other memorable roles in films such as Bonnie and Clyde, The Poseidon Adventure, A Bridge Too Far, Superman, Uncommon Valor, Hoosiers, Mississippi Burning, Wyatt Earp, and many, many more.
Mel Brooks took to Twitter to write “I was privileged to know Gene Hackman because he played tennis with another Gene—Gene Wilder. And that Gene told him about a little role called The Blind Hermit in our movie YOUNG FRANKENSTEIN. He said, ‘Do you think Mel would let me play it? I’ve always wanted to do a comedy.’ Needless to say, I was over the moon and he was perfect.”
I was privileged to know Gene Hackman because he played tennis with another Gene—Gene Wilder. And that Gene told him about a little role called The Blind Hermit in our movie YOUNG FRANKENSTEIN. He said, “Do you think Mel would let me play it? I’ve always wanted to do a comedy.”… pic.twitter.com/hjDHROS6GA
— Mel Brooks (@MelBrooks) February 28, 2025
The team at Horror News Network send our deepest condolences to the family and friends.
