Gene Hackman was a singular performer whose work has been widely celebrated in the industry. But his prolific career has only been highlighted by his shocking death, which shines a light on the several classic and formative films Hackman starred in throughout his decades-long career.
The actor was found dead in his New Mexico home Feb. 26, alongside his wife pianist Betsy Arakawa and their dog, per Variety. A cause of death has not been provided but authorities say there is no indication of foul play.
Hackman shined in both dramatic and comedic roles, earning five Academy Award nominations and cinching two wins, in addition to four Golden Globes and the Cecil B. DeMille Award throughout his career.
The prolific actor ultimately retired from the craft in 2004. But his snark and wit can be found in any of the notable films he starred in over the years, whether that be the Oscar-winning Unforgiven or the 1978 Superman.
Scroll down to learn more about where you can stream some of Hackman’s most notable films.
Bonnie And Clyde
Hackman received his first Academy Award nomination in 1968 for his breakout performance in Arthur Penn’s crime classic Bonnie and Clyde, starring Warren Beaty and Faye Dunaway. Hackman starred as Clyde’s older brother Buck Barrow.
HOW TO STREAM BONNIE AND CLYDE
Unforgiven
Starring Clint Eastwood, Morgan Freeman and Richard Harris, the period drama follows a gunslinger as he sets out to correct an injustice with an old friend and an outlaw. Hackman starred as Sheriff “Little” Bill Daggett, earning himself the second Academy Award of his career for the performance, and the fourth Academy Award the film received.
The Royal Tenenbaums
One of the final roles of Hackman’s career was this Wes Anderson classic, about an eccentric New York City family who reunite under the same roof for the first time in years and are faced with each other’s egos — and their patriarch father’s dysfunction. Hackman earned a Golden Globe for his turn as the difficult and selfish Royal Tenenbaum, but he’s backed in this film by memorable performances from Gwyneth Paltrow, Ben Stiller and Luke Wilson, all of whom play his children, and Anjelica Huston, who stars as his estranged wife.
HOW TO STREAM THE ROYAL TENENBAUMS
The Conversation
Directed and written by Francis Ford Coppola, The Conversation stars Hackman in an unique role as a paranoid surveillance expert who suspects the couple he is spying on will be murdered. The film was nominated for several Oscars.
HOW TO STREAM the conversation
The French Connection
The 1971 cop drama stars Hackman as New York City Detective Jimmy Doyle, who tries to bust a French heroin smuggler with his partner Buddy “Cloudy” Russo. The film won five Academy awards, including Hackman’s first Best Actor honor. Hackman later reprised his role in the 1975 sequel French Connection II, which showed the partners trying to catch the elusive French drug dealer once again.
