actually, according to an interview he gave, he *prefers* playing the villain part. An actor of his stature could pick almost any role of a movie he wants, he likes being the bad guy.
Years from now when his obituary will run, will his most unforgettable role be one of the many villain roles or will it be Coach Norman Dale of Hoosiers? When I think of Gene Hackman, I think of Jimmy Chitwood looking at him saying, "I'll make it, Coach."
shareIn one of the biggest '70s disaster movies, The Poseidon Adventure, he's the main character and a good guy. Also, as Popeye Doyle in French Connection, he's no angel, but technically a good guy.
shareIn The Conversation, although his character's profession (surveillance) is ethically dicey, he's not the villain -- in fact, he appears to be just about the only character in the film who has something approaching a conscience.
shareWatch him in Mississippi Burning or The French Detective.
Its that man again!!
^^ As in: him not being the bad guy? 2 many movies like that, Heist, Enemy of the State.. & some years earlier: Crimson Tide, etc.
Btw., as rokgpsman had posted:
actually, according to an interview he gave, he *prefers* playing the villain part... which would suggest that he has played both / and many roles.
Eugene Allen "Gene" Hackman[1] (born January 30, 1930) is a retired American actor and novelist.
I should had said French Connection 1 & 2 as well as The Conversation.
Its that man again!!
The Birdcage