ENTERTAINMENT NEWS – Gene Hackman passes away at 95; wife and dog found dead also

Laila Kirkpatrick, Staff Writer

Prolific actor and Oscar-winner Gene Hackman was found dead alongside his wife in their home. Hackman’s roles spanned many different types of characters from heroes to villains. This range made him one of the industry’s most respected and honored performers. Hackman has been a frequent and versatile presence in the film industry for many years beginning in the 1960s until his retirement. Some of his most famous films included “The French Connection”, and “Unforgiven.” He is also known for his performances in “Bonnie and Clyde”, “Young Frankenstein,” and Lex Luthor in “Superman.”

He also played one of the titular characters in Wes Anderson’s 2001 film “The Royal Tenenbaums.” His span of roles and long-lasting career made him one of the most versatile actors in the industry.  He played a more uptight character in “Birdcage”, but a college coach seeking redemption in “Hoosiers”. Many actors have taken to social media to share their condolences. One of those who shared their condolences was Francis Ford Coppola who said, “Gene Hackman is a great actor, inspiring and magnificent in his work and complexity,” Coppola said on Instagram. “I mourn his loss, and celebrate his existence and contribution.”