Gene Hackman’s Net Worth and Salary
Gene Hackman, a legendary American actor and novelist, amassed a net worth of $80 million throughout his illustrious career. His rise to stardom was marked by perseverance, beginning with his service in the U.S. Marine Corps and years of struggle in New York theater. Hackman’s breakthrough role came in 1967 with “Bonnie and Clyde,” earning him his first Academy Award nomination. However, it was his portrayal of Jimmy “Popeye” Doyle in “The French Connection” (1971) that won him his first Oscar and solidified his status as a Hollywood icon.
Throughout his career, Hackman demonstrated his versatility, portraying a diverse range of characters. From his chilling performance as a surveillance expert in “The Conversation” to his iconic role as Lex Luthor in “Superman” (1978), he showcased an ability to bring depth to every role. His career highlights also include standout performances in “The Poseidon Adventure,” “A Bridge Too Far,” “Hoosiers,” and “Mississippi Burning.”
In the 1990s, Hackman enjoyed a career resurgence, winning a second Academy Award for his role as a ruthless sheriff in “Unforgiven” (1992). He continued to impress audiences with performances in “The Firm,” “Crimson Tide,” “Enemy of the State,” and “The Royal Tenenbaums.” Over the span of his career, Hackman won over 30 awards, including two Academy Awards, four Golden Globes, and two BAFTAs.
Early Life and Military Service
Eugene Allen Hackman was born on January 30, 1930, in San Bernardino, California. His father, Eugene Sr., worked as a printing press operator, and his mother, Anna, was a homemaker. Following his parents’ divorce in 1943, Hackman and his brother Richard were abandoned by their father.
Hackman spent much of his youth in Danville, Illinois. He developed an interest in acting at age 10 but left high school at 16 to enlist in the U.S. Marine Corps. He served as a field radio operator for four and a half years before being discharged in 1951. Following his service, he pursued studies in television production and journalism at the University of Illinois before moving to Los Angeles to study acting at the Pasadena Playhouse.
Hollywood Career and Major Roles
1960s – Breakthrough Roles
Hackman’s professional acting career began in 1958 when he was cast in an off-Broadway production of “Chaparral.” In 1961, he made his film debut in “Mad Dog Coll” and appeared in an episode of “Tallahassee 7000.” His career breakthrough came in 1967 when he played Buck Barrow in “Bonnie and Clyde,” earning his first Oscar nomination.
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1970s – Critical Acclaim
The 1970s solidified Hackman’s place in Hollywood. In 1971, he won the Academy Award for Best Actor for his performance in “The French Connection.” He followed this with roles in “The Poseidon Adventure” (1972), “The Conversation” (1974), and “Young Frankenstein” (1974). His portrayal of Lex Luthor in “Superman” (1978) further showcased his range as an actor.
1980s – Established Star
Hackman continued to take on diverse roles in the 1980s. He starred in “Hoosiers” (1986), “No Way Out” (1987), and “Mississippi Burning” (1988), earning another Academy Award nomination for the latter. His ability to embody intense, authoritative figures set him apart in Hollywood.
1990s – Career Resurgence
The 1990s marked another golden era in Hackman’s career. He won his second Academy Award for “Unforgiven” (1992) and starred in “The Firm” (1993), “Crimson Tide” (1995), and “Get Shorty” (1995). His portrayal in “The Royal Tenenbaums” (2001) earned him a Golden Globe for Best Actor in a Comedy or Musical.
2000s – Retirement from Acting
Hackman retired from acting in 2004 after starring in “Welcome to Mooseport.” Following his retirement, he narrated two documentaries: “The Unknown Flag Raiser of Iwo Jima” (2016) and “We, the Marines” (2017).
Photo Credit:Evan Agostini / Getty Images
Personal Life and Interests
Hackman married Faye Maltese in 1956, and they had three children before divorcing in 1986. He later married Betsy Arakawa in 1991. A racing enthusiast, Hackman participated in various competitions, including the 24 Hours of Daytona Endurance Race.
Writing Career
In retirement, Hackman turned to writing, co-authoring several historical fiction novels. His works include “Wake of the Perdido Star” (1999), “Justice for None” (2004), “Escape from Andersonville” (2008), “Payback at Morning Peak” (2011), and “Pursuit” (2013).
Real Estate and Investments
Hackman owned several luxurious properties, including a sprawling 12-acre estate in Santa Fe, New Mexico, which he transformed into an 8,000-square-foot Southwestern-style home. He also owned a home in Montecito, California, which he sold for $5.5 million in 1985, and a Pebble Beach property that was later listed for $79 million.
Awards and Recognition
Hackman won numerous awards throughout his career:
- Academy Awards: Best Actor for “The French Connection” (1972), Best Supporting Actor for “Unforgiven” (1993)
- Golden Globes: Cecil B. DeMille Award (2003), Best Actor for “The Royal Tenenbaums”
- BAFTA Awards: “The French Connection” and “Unforgiven”
- New York Film Critics Circle Awards
- Career Honorary Award at the CinEuphoria Awards (2015)
Gene Hackman’s Legacy
Gene Hackman’s career spanned five decades, making him one of the most respected actors in Hollywood. His ability to seamlessly transition between dramatic, comedic, and villainous roles earned him a reputation as one of the greatest actors of all time. Despite stepping away from acting, his impact on cinema remains undeniable, and his work continues to inspire future generations of performers.
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