Thread: Gene Hackman Dies

Originally Posted by Smitty

I introduced myself and was able to shake hands with Gene Hackman in 1984 outside of Mike's Chile Parlor in Ballard (a suburb of Seattle). Our company yard was right behind Mike's. When I got done with my route, someone said they were filming a movie at Mike's Chile Parlor. So, some of us walked up there and sure enough, you couldn't get in there because the movie crew was inside. We waited around outside. Then Gene Hackman comes walking outside through the front door for a break between takes. I approached him and said I enjoyed his movies. He asked me my name. Mike! Oh! The same name as the Chile parlor. I said can I shake your hand? Gene Said, sure Mike, I'm glad to have met you. He also said, by the way, I'm just a ordinary guy just like you and your friends standing over there. That was it. He disappeared back through the Parlor door to continue the filming. Ann-Margret and Brian Dennehy also starred in Twice In A Lifetime. The film was released in 1985. The only regret I have is I should have thought of asking for Gene's autograph. Oh well, what a gentleman. Just a very pleasant man.

James Woods had very kind words for Hackman, saying he patterned his encounter with fans because of how Gene treated him upon their first meeting. Saying he was very kind and didn't act stuck up or behave like he was too good to talk with him & the other young, new actors on the set.

Originally Posted by FireBrand

Dennis Neubacher from Detroits 760am circa 1988 was interviewing Gene and asked the question as to the secret of his success. Gene Hackman answered forthrightly, "I learned to let my parents off the hook". Amazing.

I was a 30yr old youth pastor listening in. Never forgot it.

I read an interview where he said when his father left the family, he walked past a young Gene (I believe he was 15), waved, and walked out the door never to return. That had to be devastating.

Gene ran away shortly after and talked his way into the military. A lot of boys did that back in his day.

Originally Posted by njtom

My earliest recollection of Mr. Hackman is the movie "The French Connection." I also liked his role in "Enemy of the State".

I wonder if the dog passed away due to lack of water or food following the deaths of Mr. and Mrs. Hackman. That would be additionally sad.

Never saw The French Connection.

There were a couple other dogs they found there I believe that were alive and running around.

Originally Posted by njtom

I wonder if the dog passed away due to lack of water or food following the deaths of Mr. and Mrs. Hackman. That would be additionally sad.

Yes, two dogs were alive. There was a dog door where the animals had access to the yard and the house. Maintenace workers found the front door slightly open. When police arrived, one of the dogs was outside. The other dog they found lying next to Mrs. Hackman's body. The deceased German Shepherd was found in a dog kennel. The whole ordeal is extremely sad.

Gene Hackman died of heart disease, about one week after wife died of hantavirus: investigators

Gene Hackman death investigation update | Fox News