- Actor Gene Hackman, winner of Best Supporting Actor at academy awards in March 1993. Hackman will turn 80 years on Jan. 30, 2010. (AP Photo, File) LOS ANGELES — Gene Hackman, the two-time Oscar-winning actor,

Hackman portrays a retired football player in Los Angeles. In his new job as a private investigator, he finds that his wife is having an affair.

Actors Christopher Reeve, left, and co-star Gene Hackman arrive at the premiere of the movie "Superman" in Los Angeles, Ca., on Dec. 15, 1978. (AP Photo/, File)

It’s a tall task to try to whittle Gene Hackman’s career down to five notable films. One of the 20th century’s greatest actors, Hackman’s career spanned more than 40 years and a variety of roles, from tough-guy parts to comedic turns,

The star of “The French Connection” took the leap into acting at the Pasadena Playhouse, launching a five-decade career.

Morgan Freeman, Nathan Lane, Gwyneth Paltrow, and more who shared the screen with Gene Hackman are paying tribute to the Hollywood legend: 'One of the all time greatest.'

By The Associated Press Gruff in demeanor yet much beloved, Gene Hackman was one of the finest actors of his generation. The 95-year-old actor was found dead in his New Mexico home with his wife,

Director Francis Ford Coppola, actor Viola Davis and director Paul Feig are among those paying tribute to Gene Hackman after his death at age 95.

The actor, who was found dead on Wednesday at the age of 95, raced for Dan Gurney's team in the 1983 24 Hours of Daytona.