Gene Hackman (b. January 30, 1930 – d.February 2025) was an American actor who portrayed Lex Luthor in Superman: The Movie (1978), Superman II (1980) and Superman IV: The Quest for Peace (1987). He also provided the voice of Nuclear Man in the latter.
- Pictured: Hackman as Lex Luthor from Superman II (1980)
Professional History
Gene Hackman was an American character actor who earned several awards and acted in several movies over the course of a career spanning nearly five decades. He won two Academy Awards for his performances in The French Connection and Unforgiven, and was nominated for his roles in Bonnie and Clyde, I Never Sang for My Father, and Mississippi Burning. He also appeared in the highly celebrated films The Conversation and A Bridge Too Far.
In 1978, Hackman appeared as the villainous Lex Luthor in Richard Donner's Superman: The Movie, although he refused to shave his head to resemble his comic counterpart. The film was a gigantic success both critically and commercially, with Hackman's comedic portrayal of Luthor being widely celebrated. He reprised the role in Superman II and Superman IV: The Quest for Peace, and provided the voice for Nuclear Man in the latter, while Mark Pillow portrayed him on set.
Hackman continued to act for several years, appearing in much-loved movies such as Hoosiers, Get Shorty, Enemy of the State, and The Royal Tenenbaums. In 2006, archive footage of him was used in Donner's director's cut of Superman II, and Hackman officially announced his retirement from acting in 2008. He was found dead on February 26, 2025 at the age of 95.
Work History
Acting Credits
| Superman | December 10, 1978 | Lex Luthor |
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| Superman II | December 4, 1980 | Lex Luthor |
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| Superman IV: The Quest for Peace | July 24, 1987 | Lex Luthor Nuclear Man[1] |
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External Links
References
- ↑ Hackman only voiced Nuclear Man, while Mark Pillow physically portrayed him on-set