Gene Hackman, the actor whose turns in classics like “The French Connection" and “Unforgiven” made him one of the most respected actors in Hollywood, died.

There was never a movie star quite like Gene Hackman, who died at the age of 95 on February 27, 2025. Hackman's stardom was a miracle of the New Hollywood, a moment when audiences were hungry for actors who more closely resembled themselves,

After news of Gene Hackman's shocking death, Variety looks back on his career in photos, from "The French Connection" to "Superman" and more.