Gene Hackman

Gene Hackman was born on January 30, 1930 in San Bernardino, California. He studied journalism and television production at the University of Illinois, and decided to pursue acting in his 30s. He joined the Pasadena Playhouse in California, then later got off-Broadway roles in New York City. He befriended Dustin Hoffman and Robert Duvall through his pursuits.

Fast Facts

1. Real name: Eugene Allen Hackman
2. Born: January 30, 1930
3. Birthplace: San Bernardino, CA
4. Won "Best Actor" Oscar for The French Connection
5. Won "Best Supporting Actor" Oscar for Unforgiven
6. Married to Betsy Arakawa
7. Has 3 children
8. Served 3 years in the Marines
9. Former roommate of Dustin Hoffman

Career

Hackman got his break playing Buck Barrow in 1967's Bonnie and Clyde, for which he earned a "Best Supporting Actor" Oscar nomination. In 1971, Hackman won a "Best Actor" Oscar for his portrayal of obsessive James "Popeye" Doyle in the action/crime film The French Connection. He would later win another Oscar for a supporting role in Clint Eastwood's Unforgiven. Other notable films Hackman starred in include The Conversation, Superman, Mississippi Burning and The Royal Tenenbaums.

In an interview with Larry King on July 7, 2004, Hackman said he had no future projects in the works, and that his acting career might be over. As an author, however, Hackman continues to write with longtime co-writer Daniel Lenihan. They have written two novels, Wake of the Perdido Star and Justice for None, while a third, Escape from Andersonville, is scheduled for a May 13, 2008 release.

Personal Life

Hackman has three children with his first wife, Faye Maltese, who he married in 1956: Christopher Allen, Elizabeth Jean, and Leslie Anne. The couple divorced in 1986.

Hackman remarried in 1991 to his current wife, Betsy Arakawa.

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