Gene Hackman, a LEGEND!!!!.....The French Connection, The Conversation, Poseidon Adventure, Superman, Mississippi Burning, Unforgiven, Crimson Tide, Get Shorty....& dozens of other TV & Movie roles.......a Supremely Talented, Intelligent & Funny professional......really miss that guy..
Notice the absolute dead silence , zero response when he said he was in the Marines. One small measure of how militarized we are now compared to 1988 when this was televised. It’s everywhere now, military service is nearly always praised and elevated (there’s a discussion ) when mentioned in public or private. It just jumped out at me. The motivation got a bigger response!
It's particularly striking because military service was so much more commonplace back then. Almost everyone Hackman's age had either served, or had a sibling or parent who had. The military didn't have this sheen of unreal of unreal perfection that it has today, because so many ordinary people had served in it and knew what it was actually like. The boredom, the toxicity, the goofing around, etc.
@@biggiouschinnus7489I think it has something to do with people's lack of fulfilment, more materialistic but empty compared to older generations, maybe the blind patriotism towards the military now is to compensate for not really doing anything with their own lives
@@jimmycakes7158 Pops was 101st with 2nd/327th in Vietnam, 70-71, and the MAIN reason I enlisted in the Army Infantry out of high school. There absolutely is blind patriotism, which I was part of, but that was only a portion of it. There was equally the same percentage of guys who joined because they had nothing better to do and were deadbeats. Also a small percentage were foreigners that enlisted to earn citizenship. All walks of life join the military, but why we all did ultimately didn’t matter. No discrimination, Drill Sergeants hate everyone equally. Literally all types of people. A lot were like me, small and quiet but had always been into “war” and stuff, but also jocks, drug addicts, computer whizzes, city slickers, farm boys, criminals, choir boys, etc.
I was raised Protestant but was never really homophobic or anything, and am a big believer in science. The Army made me even more tolerant and actually judgmental towards other Christians. I can’t stand snotty nosed Christians oblivious to the fact Jesus was a bum who hung out with other bums, which is partly why he was crucified. Sorry to be preachy, but I learned this in the Army. Your sexual orientation doesn’t matter, just like skin color, nationality, age, etc. When you’re in a foxhole and enemy rounds are flying overhead, idc about your race or sexual orientation, I care about you covering me and returning fire. I’d share a foxhole with Richard Simmons as long as he’s proficient with an M4 and can return fire lol
I haven't really had an opinion on the best actor thing. But Dustin Hoffman and Morgan Freeman and Denzel Washington all pretty much say he's the best. That being, of course, David Letterman in the Cabin Boy
Those are some obvious ones but I can't help but think of the one where he plays a French Legionnaire Sgt or officer and a little remembered Vietnam movie entitled "BAT-21" where he plays an actual historical figure named Iceal Hamilton, a radar/comms specialist with all kinds of knowledge and clearances who is in a plane that gets shot down in enemy territory and he must be rescued. Cameo by Jerry Reed!
Funny. In my 23 years in the Ary and 3 deployments to Iraq, I only met about a couple dozen of those Blackwater types. They must have all been in another war.
Gene is so cool, I'd love to sit and have a conversation with him, especially before he dies (Sigh). Which he wasn't retired, much like Sean Conery and Dustin Hoffman. Such classic actors.
Joined the Marines to get laid, original answer,when I was a child my old Man told me he joined because he got sick of getting into fights,later truth be told at age 17 the judge gave him a chose,ended up in the south Pacific 1943, thanks Gene and to all that severed
ole Gene the dancing machine quit for things like this. My first recollection was he as the priest on the U.S.S. Poseidon on a huge drive in screen and I was 10 yrs old. Scary for us then, now it's like watching a commercial.
Love hackman he seems to b in movies the he is just himself tru blu , honest and hard ass , but somehow still shows he cares too. I question if he really acts tho he's always in movies he would do in his own life , as I see it?
the minimum age to join any of the US Armed Forces is 17, he either lied about his age or was actually 17. I know cuz I couldn’t join until my 17th birthday! Each branch of the military has age limits to enlist in active duty: Air Force: 17 - 42 Army: 17 - 35 Coast Guard: 17 - 41 Marine Corps: 17 - 28 Navy: 17 - 41 Space Force: 17 - 42
Did you ever hear of a recruiter falsifying documents to get a recruit into the service or a recruit lying to get into the service? I know my recruiter did and I know of fellow service members who lied to get in.
As of today, Gene is 94 years old. Happy Birthday, Gene!!
Gene Hackman is 93 years old as of this comment. Happy Birthday.
Wrong. He’s actually 94 dumbass
Holy shit
Gene Hackman, a LEGEND!!!!.....The French Connection, The Conversation, Poseidon Adventure, Superman, Mississippi Burning, Unforgiven, Crimson Tide, Get Shorty....& dozens of other TV & Movie roles.......a Supremely Talented, Intelligent & Funny professional......really miss that guy..
Loved Hackman in ‘No Way Out.’
@@asanta2023 completely forgot that one!!! He was great in that one as well!!
Yes @A B, loved No Way Out. Also, Hackman was great in The Replacements.
+ THE DOMINO PRINCIPLE !
As well as Hoosiers @@mikepetitti
God, they don’t make ‘em like they used to. Gene Hackman is a real Actor’s-Actor, quite simply one of the greatest actors of all-time!!
Same goes for Letterman as a late night host
In THE DOMINO PRINCIPLE Gene has shown us he KNEW how to sport an M16 !
The proof that he had a military background.
He always makes every movie better!
I like Hackman, seems like a genuine dude.
he is. he punched a hobo who insulted his wife
The video "Late Night with david Letterman Oct 19, 1988" has this interview with Hackman in full.
Outstanding Semper Fi Mr. Hackman
I can't ever remember seeing a poor performance by him, he's always eminently believable whatever part he plays.
Care to elaborate? I would sincerely like to know.
We don't worship actors in America.
Another guy like that is Robert Duvall. Coincidentally, they were roommates.
Ahahaha.....Hackman is so honest as an actor and a person. He's one of the last of a soon to be extinct breed.
Gene also raced in the Daytona 24 Hours. What a badass
Thank you for your service.
ONE OF MY FAVORITE ACTORS
What a fantastic actor
One of my favourite all time actors
One of the best American SOB's on the big screen.
Fantastic actor. And a Marine too. Semper Fi.
I always felt he was a Marine even when he played Admirals in movies
Great actor and a very humble man
I miss Gene Hackman in movies. He made some great movie, but sir you earned your retirement. Thanks for all the memories.
Notice the absolute dead silence , zero response when he said he was in the Marines. One small measure of how militarized we are now compared to 1988 when this was televised. It’s everywhere now, military service is nearly always praised and elevated (there’s a discussion ) when mentioned in public or private. It just jumped out at me.
The motivation got a bigger response!
These days militarism is the national religion, yet the US hasn't fought a defensive war since 1945.
It's particularly striking because military service was so much more commonplace back then. Almost everyone Hackman's age had either served, or had a sibling or parent who had. The military didn't have this sheen of unreal of unreal perfection that it has today, because so many ordinary people had served in it and knew what it was actually like. The boredom, the toxicity, the goofing around, etc.
@@biggiouschinnus7489I think it has something to do with people's lack of fulfilment, more materialistic but empty compared to older generations, maybe the blind patriotism towards the military now is to compensate for not really doing anything with their own lives
@@jimmycakes7158 Pops was 101st with 2nd/327th in Vietnam, 70-71, and the MAIN reason I enlisted in the Army Infantry out of high school.
There absolutely is blind patriotism, which I was part of, but that was only a portion of it. There was equally the same percentage of guys who joined because they had nothing better to do and were deadbeats.
Also a small percentage were foreigners that enlisted to earn citizenship.
All walks of life join the military, but why we all did ultimately didn’t matter. No discrimination, Drill Sergeants hate everyone equally.
Literally all types of people. A lot were like me, small and quiet but had always been into “war” and stuff, but also jocks, drug addicts, computer whizzes, city slickers, farm boys, criminals, choir boys, etc.
I was raised Protestant but was never really homophobic or anything, and am a big believer in science.
The Army made me even more tolerant and actually judgmental towards other Christians. I can’t stand snotty nosed Christians oblivious to the fact Jesus was a bum who hung out with other bums, which is partly why he was crucified.
Sorry to be preachy, but I learned this in the Army. Your sexual orientation doesn’t matter, just like skin color, nationality, age, etc.
When you’re in a foxhole and enemy rounds are flying overhead, idc about your race or sexual orientation, I care about you covering me and returning fire.
I’d share a foxhole with Richard Simmons as long as he’s proficient with an M4 and can return fire lol
Thank you for your service Gene Godbless you 🙏🏼👍🏼
Now I like him even more. Semper Fi!!!
you couldnt have had a better Lex Luthor than Gene Hackman
The type of Man who Other Men from this generation looked up to. That says a hell of a lot .
My father served in Marines with Gene and played on the same football team.
😮❤
Long live Gene your the best.Semper Fi.Fellow vet....
He wasn't a kid when he was 16 he was a Marine
Hackman one of the best actors ever meet him at a Mike Tyson fight great man
GH, a legend! One of my favs!
Always liked him.great actor.👍💋
"Complete the mission" 😂😂😂
Blair n
These 2 are good together 😎😃
Loved him in BAT 21
Both of them are class acts.
I haven't really had an opinion on the best actor thing.
But Dustin Hoffman and Morgan Freeman and Denzel Washington all pretty much say he's the best.
That being, of course, David Letterman in the Cabin Boy
clubredken Cabin Boy lol
An awesome actor.
that smile! it's that paul newman's type charm.
One of the best actors ever my favorite
Boy I miss the old (younger)Letterman when the show had that special "something"
great actor
Semper Fi. Gene!
Rest in peace Sammy Wilson
The 80's were a lot of fun.
the unforgiven is the greatest role ive seen him in, along with the french connection
Loved him in ‘No Way Out,’ with Kevin Kostner.
Those are some obvious ones but I can't help but think of the one where he plays a French Legionnaire Sgt or officer and a little remembered Vietnam movie entitled "BAT-21" where he plays an actual historical figure named Iceal Hamilton, a radar/comms specialist with all kinds of knowledge and clearances who is in a plane that gets shot down in enemy territory and he must be rescued. Cameo by Jerry Reed!
An actor who actually served in the military... now there's something you don't see every day.
Arioch IV You'd be surprised.
It was pretty common for actors from the 1940s, 1950s and 1960s to have served in the military either from the draft or joining the military.
I have no doubt, but it doesn't seem very common today.
Adam Driver has a good story too!
Funny. In my 23 years in the Ary and 3 deployments to Iraq, I only met about a couple dozen of those Blackwater types. They must have all been in another war.
The greatest,,man I miss his acting
He’s the best actor I’ve seen.
Gene Hackman as drill instructor must've been scary...
Gene is so cool, I'd love to sit and have a conversation with him, especially before he dies (Sigh). Which he wasn't retired, much like Sean Conery and Dustin Hoffman. Such classic actors.
Jesus, I don't think I'd ever heard Gene Hackman just TALKING (i.e. not acting) until this day in 2025. That's one cool MF.
Semper fi
You stay in until you complete the mission...
@@funkmike And then you guard the streets of Heaven.
Letterman could have asked him how he got into the Marines at 16, but he only listens to himself.
Man provided us with some great entertainment through the years. Wishing him many many more years of retirement and health.
Lee Marvin is another actor who was in the Marines.
Rest in peace to a great actor and soldier.
He’s not dead and a soldier pertains to Army not the Marines therefore he is a Marine not a soldier
I know Nicholson, De Niro and Pacino get more ink, but to me Hackman was the more versatile actor from that generation.
Yes, I agree.....and Hackman was a humble guy and never full of himself like some of the others you mentioned.
One of the last living gentlemen ! Why is not been honored by AFI yet ?
Irreplaceable one of the best can’t get any better!
General Sosabowski lives on.
It wasn't in my Marine Corps bootcamp training.
Joined the Marines to get laid, original answer,when I was a child my old Man told me he joined because he got sick of getting into fights,later truth be told at age 17 the judge gave him a chose,ended up in the south Pacific 1943, thanks Gene and to all that severed
ole Gene the dancing machine quit for things like this. My first recollection was he as the priest on the U.S.S. Poseidon on a huge drive in screen and I was 10 yrs old. Scary for us then, now it's like watching a commercial.
Semper Fi Gene Hackman!😎
As great an actor as he is I never really bought him as a tough guy! Never knew he was a marine
honest.. The truth will set you free
I like how he doesn't pay too much mind to the expected attire for the talk show circuit and has turned up in his gardening jumper.
Letterman is the GOAT
Love hackman he seems to b in movies the he is just himself tru blu , honest and hard ass , but somehow still shows he cares too. I question if he really acts tho he's always in movies he would do in his own life , as I see it?
Hackman is a funny man !
Semper Fi Gene
A fine actor and I'm somewhat surprised to hear rumours that Gene Hackman was a bit of a nightmare to work with.
He was in About the Same Time as Steve McQueen. May He R.I.P.
He’s the same age as Steve (only 2 months older).
@@mohammedashian8094 Touche' (smile)
Cool as the underside of a pillow.
I can relate.
One of my favorite ever actors. Too bad this interview clip wasn’t something actually worthwhile to watch.
Then wtf did you open your pie hole and comment ????
クイック＆デッドを BSTVで❣嬉しいです。
Badass💯
This also proves he is a Marine through & through. 🫡👍
Semper Fi
Great actor.
my fav
THAT A VERY GOOD REASON !!! : )
Honestly why i joined the service too a bit ...
I miss Gene Hackman ps what to his
Semper Fi Gyrene
fucking love mean gene
Ha, ha - Semper Fidelis!
George Lucas tried enlisting in the Air Force but failed the medical exam because his eyesight wasn't good enough.
Seems like a nice guy.
Rest in peace Mr. Hackman❤❤❤
He's not dead. He'll be 95 January 30th, 2025.
Uncommon Valor
Such a handsome guy. No homo.
He love you long time!! Only 5 dolla!! He too BUCU for you!!! 😂😂😂😂😂
the minimum age to join any of the US Armed Forces is 17, he either lied about his age or was actually 17. I know cuz I couldn’t join until my 17th birthday! Each branch of the military has age limits to enlist in active duty:
Air Force: 17 - 42
Army: 17 - 35
Coast Guard: 17 - 41
Marine Corps: 17 - 28
Navy: 17 - 41
Space Force: 17 - 42
This was in the late 40's early 50's dude. It was different then.. ffs research dog. it is YOUR friend stupid, he was 16 in 1946.
Did you ever hear of a recruiter falsifying documents to get a recruit into the service or a recruit lying to get into the service? I know my recruiter did and I know of fellow service members who lied to get in.
MANLIEST ACTOR EVER!
So, Hackman wasn't in the artillery.
❤
dave: so gene what made you want to join the marine c-
gene: YELLOW FEVER