Gene Hackman Was a Colossus Who Knew How to Shrink Into a Role
The revered actor, who was found dead on Wednesday at the age of 95, was a master at drawing viewers in by holding himself back
www.theringer.com
My Son Writes A Paean To Gene Hackman
- Thread starter Ponca Dan
- Start date
Weird situation with both Gene and his wife and 1 of 3 dogs found deceased. Strange. Will be interesting to see what they find out.
I had no idea his early years were like this.
Eugene Alden Hackman was born Jan. 30, 1930, in San Bernardino, California, and grew up in Danville, Illinois, where his father worked as a pressman for the Commercial-News. His parents fought repeatedly, and his father often used his fists on Gene to take out his rage, according to The Associated Press. The boy found refuge in movie houses, identifying with Errol Flynn and James Cagney as his role models.
When Gene was 13, his father waved goodbye and drove off, never to return. The abandonment was a lasting injury to Gene. His mother had become an alcoholic and was constantly at odds with her mother, with whom the shattered family lived (Gene had a younger brother). At 16, he "suddenly got the itch to get out." Lying about his age, he enlisted in the U.S. Marines.
Eugene Alden Hackman was born Jan. 30, 1930, in San Bernardino, California, and grew up in Danville, Illinois, where his father worked as a pressman for the Commercial-News. His parents fought repeatedly, and his father often used his fists on Gene to take out his rage, according to The Associated Press. The boy found refuge in movie houses, identifying with Errol Flynn and James Cagney as his role models.
When Gene was 13, his father waved goodbye and drove off, never to return. The abandonment was a lasting injury to Gene. His mother had become an alcoholic and was constantly at odds with her mother, with whom the shattered family lived (Gene had a younger brother). At 16, he "suddenly got the itch to get out." Lying about his age, he enlisted in the U.S. Marines.
Tough times create strong men, then you see what we have today.
Enjoyed the article, and thank you for sharing.
Like some, I suspect CO or other toxic gas exposure. Very strange occurrence.
He was a great actor and, while his time making new contributions on the silver screen had passed, many of his movies are timeless.
Like some, I suspect CO or other toxic gas exposure. Very strange occurrence.
He was a great actor and, while his time making new contributions on the silver screen had passed, many of his movies are timeless.
Weird. A few days before this story broke, we were discussing the movie version of John Grisham’s “The Firm” at a social gathering, and I was wondering whether Hackman was still alive. Never had a chance to look it up.
I can’t believe Royal Tenenbaums was his 3rd to last movie. Still one of my favorite movies of all time, and he was incredible in it. Sad deal and very odd circumstances. Great article by your son as usual @Ponca Dan.
