5 Things Gene Hackman Did That Your Critique Can’t Touch: A Scruffy Tribute to a Legend

In the wake of Gene Hackman being snapped looking less than his movie-star best at 94, the internet did what it does best: went a little overboard with the judginess. Because, clearly, everyone commenting has their red-carpet look down pat 24/7, right? Let’s pump the brakes on the criticism and dive into #LeaveGeneAlone by highlighting a few tiny, insignificant things Hackman has done that maybe—just maybe—we haven’t.

1. Grabbed a Couple of Oscars on His Way to the Grocery Store

While most of us are proud of our high school participation trophies, Gene Hackman was out there winning Oscars like they were going out of style. Best Actor for “The French Connection” and Best Supporting Actor for “Unforgiven”? Please, I’ve won more Oscars in my dreams than this, except, wait…

2. Starred in More Films Than You’ve Watched During Quarantine

Hackman’s IMDb page is longer than your last online shopping spree receipt. With a career spanning over 60 years and roles in over 80 films, he’s been in more classic movies than the average Netflix binge-watcher claims to have seen. Remember “The Royal Tenenbaums”? “Enemy of the State”? Classic Hackman gold.

3. Wrote Books Because Acting Was Just Too Easy

After dominating the film industry, Hackman thought, “What’s next? Ah, yes, writing novels.” And just like that, he started cranking out books. Most of us struggle to finish reading a novel, let alone write one. But sure, let’s talk about his “scruffy” look.

4. Served His Country, But No Big Deal

Before he was making movie magic, Hackman served in the U.S. Marine Corps. You know, just casually defending the country. Meanwhile, my biggest accomplishment today was serving myself a cup of coffee without burning the house down.

5. Mastered the Art of Not Giving a Hoot

Despite being a Hollywood legend, Hackman has kept it real. He retired to live a low-key life, proving that you can indeed walk away from the glitz and glamour and be perfectly content. Meanwhile, the rest of us are over here trying to get just five likes on our latest Insta post.

So, before we all jump on the “Let’s critique Gene Hackman’s corner store run outfit” bandwagon, let’s remember the man is a legend in more ways than one. And really, if looking a bit “scruffy” is the worst critique at 94 after a lifetime of these achievements, I’d say he’s doing just fine. #LeaveGeneAlone because, let’s be honest, he’s accomplished more on a bad hair day than most of us will in a lifetime.