In 2009, Hackman revealed that his decision to step away from Hollywood stemmed from a stress test that raised concerns for his doctors.

“The straw that broke the camel’s back was actually a stress test that I took in New York,” he told Empire. “The doctor advised me that my heart wasn’t in the kind of shape that I should be putting it under any stress.”

After retiring from acting, Hackman shifted his focus to quieter, more personal pursuits, including painting, fishing, and writing.

Reflecting on his love for writing, he shared: “It’s very relaxing for me. I don’t picture myself as a great writer, but I really enjoy the process.” He also noted the contrast between writing and acting, saying: “It’s one you can kind of manage, because you’re sitting there by yourself, as opposed to having 90 people sitting around waiting for you to entertain them.”

Hackman, pictured at the 60th Annual Golden Globe Awards at the Beverly Hilton Hotel in Los Angeles on January 19, 2003, leaves behind his three children—Christopher, Elizabeth Jean, and Leslie Anne—whom he shared with his late ex-wife, Faye Maltese.

Our deepest condolences go out to the family of the legendary Gene Hackman and Betsy Arakawa.