- 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,

One of the 20th century's greatest actors, Hackman's career spanned more than 40 years and a variety of roles.

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

One of the greatest American actors of the 20th century was voted “least likely to succeed” by his first theater school, wasn’t a star until he was 40 and possessed a face he once described as “your everyday mineworker.

Betsy Arakawa was a classical pianist, creative partner and supportive wife who loved watching DVDs with her husband Gene Hackman.

Gene Hackman and Betsy Arakawa, who were married for over 30 years, were both found dead in their Santa Fe, New Mexico, home on Wednesday, Feb. 26. Look back at their long marriage, from their early days as a couple to their most recent public sightings.

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.