What Were Gene Hackman’s Two Oscars For? Learn About His Accolades Following His Death at 95

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95-year-old Gene Hackman, famed for films like Unforgiven, Mississippi Burning, Superman, Bonnie and Clyde, among others, tragically passed away. On Thursday, February 27, the revered actor, his pianist wife Betsy Arakawa, and their pet were discovered unresponsive at their home in New Mexico; they were later confirmed deceased.

Throughout his career, Hackman received five Academy Award nominations and took home the esteemed acting prize on two occasions. His initial Oscar nod came for his performance as Buck Barrow in the iconic 1968 film Bonnie and Clyde, sharing screen time with Warren Beatty and Faye Dunaway who played the title roles.

In 1971, I found myself nominated once more in the Supporting Actor category, this time for the film “I Never Sang for My Father.” Interestingly, my first Academy Award, a Best Actor accolade, came from portraying the maverick cop Popeye Doyle in “The French Connection.” And then, there was another triumphant moment when I was awarded the Best Supporting Actor Oscar for my role in Clint Eastwood’s masterpiece, “Unforgiven.

The deceased actor had a nomination for portraying an FBI agent in Mississippi Burning. Married to Faye Maltese, they had three children together before their divorce in 1986. In 1991, Hackman remarried, becoming the husband of his second spouse.

According to a statement from the Santa Fe County Sheriff’s Office, their spokesperson Denise Avila disclosed that there was no indication of suspicious circumstances surrounding the deaths of Hackman and his wife. While the specific reasons for their demise remain undetermined, the probe continues.

I, being Hackman, am fortunate to be cherished by my three children – Christopher, Elizabeth, and Leslie – whom I was blessed to have during my first union.

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2025-02-27 19:08