Entertainment World Reacts To Gene Hackman Turning 92

Actor Gene Hackman signs a copy of his new book "Perdido Star" at a Borders book store in Chicago April 28, 2000. Hackman was in Chicago to sign copies of his first novel with co-author, underwater archeologist Daniel Lenihan. — (Photo by Tim Boyle/Newsmakers)

Actor Gene Hackman turned 92 on Sunday, January 30, 2022.

Hackman was born Eugene Allen Hackman on January 30, 1930, in San Bernardino, California.

Before he got into acting, Hackman lied about his age to enlist in the US Marine Corps at the age of 16 and served for 4 1/2 years.

As an actor, he could never be typecasted as he appeared in many diverse projects in television, movies, and theater.

After he retired from acting, he became a novelist.

Hackman has been a prominent figure for generations with his projects.

Many took to social media to pay homage to him on his 92nd birthday.

Here is a sampling of the reactions.

The Best Lex Luthor Ever

Hackman portrayed Lex Luthor in several Superman movies.

Many wished Hackman a happy birthday making it publicly known that he was the best Lex Luthor ever.

🎂🎉 Happy Birthday, Gene Hackman (January 30, 1930), the best and funniest Lex Luthor ever.#GeneHackman pic.twitter.com/xwpRy1GwUp

— Jermaine (@JermaineWatkins) January 30, 2022

Happy 92nd Birthday to one of my favorite actors but also an author the one and only Gene Hackman! You’re a legend sir thanks for the awesome movies and you will always be Lex Luthor to me 😬 #HappyBirthdayGeneHackman pic.twitter.com/CjniOEyN4R

— Elaine•⭐️ (@saviorloki) January 30, 2022

It’s 1986 and GENE HACKMAN – 92 candles🎂 – talks about playing Lex Luthor and how/why he was such a latecomer to his trade.

pic.twitter.com/BhdRFtsNf7

— Michael Warburton (@MichaelWarbur17) January 30, 2022

Happy 92nd birthday to the best Luthor, Gene Hackman!

(@michaelrosenbum, you're the next best 👊🙌🏻- and you know it, pal!) pic.twitter.com/puCdlNSEYb

— Clint Morris (@ClintOCoast) January 31, 2022

Fans Loved Him In Unforgiven

Hackman was no stranger to the Western genre of movies.

Unforgiven was a notable one.

As Sheriff Bill ‘Little Bill’ Daggett, he won the Academy Award for Best Supporting Actor in 1992.

Love that Gene Hackman basically plays his Unforgiven character again in The Quick and the Dead, nothing wrong with an encore if the people wanna see it

— Mr. Chau (@Srirachachau) January 30, 2022

"If you look at yourself as a star, you've already lost something in the portrayal of any human being"
Happy 92nd birthday Gene Hackman ~ Unforgiven (1992) #botd pic.twitter.com/hqMUwJCLwK

— Samuel J. May (@sjmay92) January 30, 2022

The incomparable Gene Hackman is 92 years old today!

What a treasure chest of great performances he has given to film fans everywhere!

One of my all-time favorites! Name your favorite performance by this legend! (Mine is Unforgiven) pic.twitter.com/GZfCHGDYCW

— Unfiltered Lens (@LensUnfiltered) January 30, 2022

One Cool Dude

Hackman is widely regarded as a cool dude that was fun to watch in all of his performances even in the grooviest of costumes.

Check out his duds as Max Millan in the 1973 movie Scarecrow.

happy birthday Gene Hackman, a man so cool he can pull off this fit in SCARECROW pic.twitter.com/96tvUWgi32

— B (@MeanOldPig) January 31, 2022

He Never Gave A Bad Performance

Fans mentioned that Hackman never turned in a bad performance and always lit up the screen or stage.

He is a consummate professional who once said:

“I was trained to be an actor not a star. I was trained to play roles, not to deal with fame and agents and lawyers and the press.”

Speaking of powerhouse actors; Gene Hackman is one of the best. Never seen him give a weak performance. His ethos towards his craft is exemplary. Mum intro’d me to “The French Connection.” Awesome film. Happy 92nd Birthday, sir! https://t.co/Bikwwb1y9g

— Fritha #WearAMask 😷 Malcouronne 💙 (@NomadicWriter) January 31, 2022