Legendary actor Gene Hackman has featured in some phenomenal cinematic spectacles and has thus turned his filmography into something worth flaunting. Apart from his Oscar-nominated Bonnie and Clyde, the actor is also famous for his role as Lex Luther in 1978’s Superman and its 1980 sequel.
However, despite donning such an incredible filmography, Gene Hackman still claimed to have a lifelong regret that he failed to overcome. Discussing how he was typecast by Hollywood, following his Oscar-winning The French Connection, Hackman found it regretful for his career.
The French Connection Was Both, a Benefit And an Affliction
Famously known for his Oscar-winning role in the 1971 William Friedkin film The French Connection, Gene Hackman turned into a household name. Portraying the role of the New York City Police detective Jimmy ‘Popeye’ Doyle, the actor found his initial success in the entertainment industry.
However, appearing in Friedkin’s action flick, turned out to be both boon and bane for the actor. Because while the initial success derived from The French Connection won him his first Academy Award, the movie also led him to be typecasted in Hollywood. This issue turned into Hackman’s biggest career regret of all time.
Discussing with Film Comment, Gene Hackman thus expressed his regret as to how he was often offered similar roles to that in The French Connection. And unfortunately, for a while, the actor didn’t have much of a choice, but to accept what was being offered to him.
“Unfortunately, in film, one is cast so close to type, and I keep getting offered similar roles.”
Gene Hackman Revealed His Lifelong Regret Of His Career
While The French Connection landed Gene Hackman his first-ever Oscar, the film also shaped his career for a while. And the actor failed to overcome this career regret, despite his grand success and massive $80M fortune. Later on during another interview with The Baltimore Sun, the renowned star reflected upon his lifelong regret.
“Well, I would hardly say I regret having done ‘The French Connection’, but I have regretted not letting more of my career go toward comedy, or toward romantic portrayals.”
Speaking candidly about how he yearned for different projects and versatile roles, Gene Hackman expressed his excitement towards Superman. Discussing how the DC movie allowed him to be humorous from time to time, the actor recalled a few different movies that allowed him a bit of relief from being typecasted by Hollywood.
“I loved the ‘Superman’ assignments, on account of the comic villainy I was allowed to do there, and the spoofing good humor in ‘Young Frankenstein,’ and the idea of myself as a romantic leading man — well, let’s just say ‘Twice in a Lifetime’ was a very real pleasure.”
In the end, although the actor would have really liked versatility in his career, there’s no denying that The French Connection provided Gene Hackman with several opportunities that led him to win praise and accolades.
Source: Film Comment, The Baltimore Sun
