So sad. Bonnie and Clyde, amazing. The French Connection. The Conversation. I just scrolled through his roles, I had forgotten how many wonderful performances he gave. He will be missed. How sad these circumstances of these deaths.
I know the movie was decried as whitewashing, but the scene in MS Burning where he confronts the racists in the social club is one of my favorite scenes in film. In these times, we need those examples as an inspiration and a model.
Dubious methods notwithstanding, I have vivid memories of this scene as a younger and idealistic lawyer. Confronting evil where it resides is essential. That he did it as one who came from the same background made it even more impressive and persuasive.
Bingo. The thesis of the movie is numbingly insensitive (white FBI agents did not fight for civil rights in the deep south). The performances & scenes are pretty amazing.
Let’s all try to remember that Hackman’s wife, Betsy Arakawa, was also found dead (and their dog). Yes he was a great actor but his wife was a human being too.
Given circumstances & news coverage, don't think any of their deaths, inc. that of their dog, is being minimized. Now know more about Betsy Arakawa as an individual & as Gene's wife than I ever did.
As for German Shepherd who died (they had 2 others), am curious - why in closet? Time out?
They don't. They said it wasn't foul play. Gene had heart issues but that doesn't explain his wife and dog passing as well. I'm guessing it was a gas leak. That's the only reason I can come up with 😔
This is what I got. So they don't think it was foul play or a leak. Two dogs outside are ok. It sounds like his wife hurt or electrocuted herself and possibly affected the dog and Gene tried to help but his heart gave out. That's just my interpretation of the info they're giving.
I agree is doesn’t sound like foul play but there’s nothing about electrocution, nor evidence that Hackman tried to assist his wife and also no explanation as to why the dog was locked in the closet. It’s all speculation.
A great deal of talent passed away in that home. Not only was Gene a brilliant actor, but his wife was a concert pianist. I am also sure that was the goodest dog.
I was sad when he retired. His passing doesn't really sadden me, he lived to a ripe old age and best I can tell lived life largely on his own terms, who could ask for more. Truly one of the greatest of all time, extraordinary.
If you've never seen "The Conversation", see it. It's a brilliant movie (Oscar nom for best pic), not as well-known as other Coppola movies but one of his faves. Hackman is fantastic in it. Also stars John Cazale (also great) Harrison Ford, Teri Garr, Cindy Wiiliams, and many good character actors.
Same here. A friend thought I sounded weird on the phone, and rode his bike a long way to check on me. Otherwise I’d have died. Im going to check my carbon monoxide detector.
RIP, Hackman family.
I agree that you should, but I don't believe that carbon monoxide has been confirmed. It's the first thing I thought of, but there's other possibilities.
A marine veteran Gene was an amazing man. His service to our great nation was in every performance he performed. I could see it as a fellow veteran. Godspeed Gene!
My brother, the cop loved the line from French connection where Popeye asked the suspect. "Do you pick your feet? Did you ever pick your feet in Poughkeepsie?"
We should praise their accomplishments and remember their achievements fondly, but I don’t care for this intentional omission, and then pivoting to something that will take people’s minds off the important questions at hand.
It’s like following up a missing child report with a feel good piece.
The one and only Gene Hackman Loved him since the French Connection never disappointed always gave it all . I just found out his favorite movie was Scarecrow also my favorite, with Al Pacino, i thoight i was the only one who liked it. RIP
So sad. They'll likely find the culprit was the furnace. He had a good long run and much success. Looks like he did it all on his own terms. Rest well, sir.
Mr Oswalt. I’m a fed employee looking for an advocate. I was hoping I might be able to send you an email. I’m real not a bot. My email is on my profile.
Yes - I didn’t find the poor doggo’s name. But it’s all odd… CO poisoning could well explain this sad event.
I’ve always had monitors in the house. One time we had one go off for some reason and within 5 mins we had a fire engine pull up with a crew of three… scared the bujezus out of us
When I first heard about this, I thought that perhaps his wife found him dead and decided to take her own and her dog’s life. It could also be reversed in that perhaps he found her dead and decided to take his and the dog’s life. I sincerely hope I’m completely wrong about that.
He had a unique quality in that he could have played most any character and made it believable at any stage in his life, and in many ways was born in mid-life. " save the acting for the close-up "!
Watched that movie just last month for the first time. Such an unusual film and an intense performance. He left a whole body of work that was so great.
Yeah, Carbon Monoxide. They got to where they knew something was wrong - his wife went to the bathroom for aspirin, the pup retreated to a safe space, and he was headed outside.
I know what I’m doing this weekend. Watching every single Gene Hackman film even though I’ve seen them all, especially French Connection, Bonnie & Clyde, The Conversation and, even though he had a small role in it, Young Frankenstein even though I’ve seen that one over 200 times
One of my favorite movies for so many different reasons. If anyone who sees or performs at a show at the SF Punchline. The office building in The Conversation is nearby.
Gene was such an amazing actor! I loved him in all of his movies especially Bat 21. RIP Gene, your wife and dog. My condolences to their family and friends. 😢🙏
“Yeah, that's why there's so few dangerous men around like old Bob, like me. It ain't so easy to shoot a man anyhow, especially if the son-of-a-bitch is shootin' back at you. I mean, that'll just flat rattle some folks.”
Comments
As for German Shepherd who died (they had 2 others), am curious - why in closet? Time out?
And thanks for the info 👍🏼
Thank you for the memories
Go watch The French Connection today.
Very sad indeed!
RIP. Lex 🙏
If it were carbon monoxide, everyone died in a long nap
If it were homicide>suicide, then they don't have to live to see the 🌎 suffer from Nazi rule
Either way, he made it to old age. I will be lucky to see 40. There is nothing to see but Death. 🤗🫠💀
But I’ll be damned if I don’t outlive this orange Mobbed-up criminal traitor thieving rapist motherfucker.
It's to use your life to ensure THEY don't win
Our grandparents did the right thing, the only thing they could do, CHILDREN UNDER 18 WENT TO WAR TO FIGHT FOR WHAT'S RIGHT!
I'm ready to go, ASAP, so join the fight, or wait for Death. EZ choice? 🤗
Please install and check your Carbon Monoxide detectors yearly.
RIP, Hackman family.
But how can could foul play not be suspected? Hackman, his wife, and dog all found dead?
Oh thanks media, now that I look it up, it’s been stated “at this time.” Then directly pivoting to how they accomplished they were.
It’s like following up a missing child report with a feel good piece.
2025 is a beast.
RIP
That was like an Easter egg for the movie! Such a small part but I’ve seen that movie over a hundred times and still find new things!!!
I’ve always had monitors in the house. One time we had one go off for some reason and within 5 mins we had a fire engine pull up with a crew of three… scared the bujezus out of us
I just had a dream about him last night...
From The French Connection 🚔 to Unforgiven 🤠, The Conversation 🎙️ to Mississippi Burning 🏛️, he dominated every role with effortless grit.
No flash, no ego—just pure, raw talent. 🎭
One of the greatest of the 20th century.
#RIPGeneHackman
omg ... just remembered he was in 'The Birdcage'!
"Your money's on the dresser, chocolate."
RIP Gene Hackman
2025 still has surprises, it seems.
In high school my friends and I used to enjoy doing what we called the hackman tantrum
🙏
https://youtu.be/7pOUnjJlFcQ
https://youtu.be/8txLht1rJZw
Perfection in The Birdcage.
Blew me away as Buck Barrow.
Illinois native, like me. 💔
One of my favourite lines!
And I loved him in A Bridge Too Far…….
Such a gifted actor….R.I.P.