Gene Hackman, one of Hollywood’s most iconic actors, was found dead in his home alongside his wife, 64-year-old Betsy Arakawa on Wednesday, February 26. Their cause of death is still unknown –– Hackman was 95 years old.
Hackman’s legacy on the big screen will certainly be missed, as he built a career that spanned over five decades, earning acclaim for his roles in both dramatic and action-packed films.
More from Spin:
- Gene Hackman, 95, and Wife Found Dead
- Watch a New Clip From Wes Anderson’s Isle of Dogs
- Watch the First Trailer for Wes Anderson’s Isle of Dogs
Despite retiring from acting in 2004, Hackman left behind a legacy of unforgettable roles in some of the highest-grossing movies of his time.
Here’s a look at some of the iconic actor’s most financially successful and highest-grossing films over his lengthy career, per Box Office Mojo. The IMDb owned website (IMDB, which is owned by Amazon, bought the site in 2008) is the “leading online box office reporting and analysis service,” and “provides comprehensive box office data for 60+ countries and territories,” according to the IMDb FAQ description.
The French Connection (1971)
The French Connection catapulted Hackman into superstardom and earned him an Academy Award for Best Actor. Hackman played Detective Jimmy “Popeye” Doyle in this gritty crime thriller about two New York cops trying to bust a drug smuggling ring. The film was a massive success, grossing $51.7 million globally at the box office.
The Royal Tenenbaums (2001)
In The Royal Tenenbaums, Hackman played the flawed patriarch of the family, Royal Tenenbaum. Directed by Wes Anderson, the film became a cult classic. Despite its somewhat limited release, The Royal Tenenbaums performed well at the box office, grossing $71.4 million worldwide.
Crimson Tide (1995)
In the high-stakes action thriller Crimson Tide, Hackman starred opposite Denzel Washington in the tense military drama set aboard a U.S. nuclear submarine. Directed by Tony Scott, the film was a box office hit, grossing $157.1 million worldwide. Hackman played the commanding officer of the submarine, a role that earned him critical praise.
The Birdcage (1996)
The Birdcage offered Hackman to play a comedic role in a story about a conservative politician who must deal with his son’s flamboyant gay parents. Hackman’s role as the uptight senator was a far cry from his usual tough-guy roles, and it was met with widespread acclaim. The film, directed by Mike Nichols, grossed $185.3 million worldwide.
Superman (1978)
Hackman’s portrayal of the villainous Lex Luthor in Superman could be considered the defining moment of his career. Starring alongside Christopher Reeve, Hackman brought charm and menace to the role of Superman’s arch-nemesis. The film was a massive hit, grossing just over $300 million worldwide, making it one of the highest-grossing films of its time.
To see our running list of the top 100 greatest rock stars of all time, click here.