Gene Hackman Net Worth: Actor, Author, Awards, Career, Salary, Former Marine, Legacy, Biography

Gene Hackman, a living Hollywood legend, has a career that lasted over five decades. He appeared in many critically acclaimed movies during his time. From his Oscar-winning performance in The French Connection to Lex Luthor in Superman, Gene Hackman was part of the golden age of cinema.

With a career like that, it’s no wonder Hackman had an estimated net worth of $80 million. Not only did he make his money from acting salaries and royalties, but the actor was also an author and a real estate investor. Hackman was even still making money after he retired from acting in 2004. However, since then, Hackman has been living in the nice city of Santa Fe, New Mexico.

What Was Gene Hackman’s Net Worth and Salary?

Gene Hackman was undoubtedly one of the most celebrated actors in Hollywood, having had a career that lasted well over five decades. His excellent performance in films such as The French Connection, Unforgiven, and Superman won him two Academy Awards and international fame.

As of 2024, Gene Hackman’s net worth is estimated to be around $80 million. He was a Hollywood legend, and his primary source of income was blockbuster movies where he played major roles. In addition, part of his wealth comes from real estate businesses and book publishing. During his prime time, he had combined earnings in millions for every movie he featured in, and some of his highest checks were earned through many blockbuster movies that featured him in the 80s and 90s.

Salary Highlights

• The French Connection (1971) : $100,000
• Superman (1978): $2 million + 30% of the profits
• Unforgiven (1992): $3 million
• The Firm (1993): $5 Million
• Enemy of the State (1998): $10 Million

Even after retiring from acting in 2004, Hackman continued to grow his wealth through real estate and book deals.

Early Life

Eugene Allen Hackman was born in San Bernardino, California, on January 30, 1930. He moved to Danville, Illinois, as a child and grew up there. His father left the family when Gene was 13.

Despite the struggles, Hackman became interested in movies and acting as a young boy. He left home at 16, lied about his age, and joined the U.S. Marine Corps, where for the most part he served as a radio operator before being discharged in 1951.

After leaving the service, Hackman took advantage of the money available to him through the G.I. Bill to attend journalism and television production classes but decided to enroll in an acting class at the Pasadena Playhouse in Pasadena, California.

Career

Gene Hackman faced challenges in his acting career. He spent years taking on odd jobs before finally scoring minor TV roles in the 1960s and his breakout role in Bonnie and Clyde (1967), for which he received a nomination for an Academy Award.

Rise to Stardom

Hackman’s defining moment came in The French Connection (1971), where he starred as the gritty NYPD detective Jimmy Popeye Doyle. He won his first Academy Award for Best Actor in the role.

• The Poseidon Adventure (1972)
• Airport 1975 (1974)
• Earthquake (1974)
• The Towering Inferno (1974).
• The End.
• Hoosiers (1986)
• Unforgiven
• Enemy of the State (1998)
• The Royal Tenenbaums (2001)

Retirement after Welcome to Mooseport (2004)

Hackman’s last film was Welcome to Mooseport (2004), after which he retired from acting, saying that he wanted to spend more time with his wife and children and do other things besides acting, such as writing novels.

Awards and Honors

Gene Hackman’s exceptional talent was acknowledged through numerous highly prestigious awards, including:

• Two Academy Awards : The French Connection (1971) and Unforgiven (1992)
• Four Golden Globe Awards
• Two BAFTA Awards
• Screen Actors Guild Lifetime Achievement Award

His performances are still talked about to this day, and he usually ranks among the best actors of all time. Santa Fe Mansion

Santa Fe Mansion

After retiring, Hackman moved to Santa Fe, New Mexico, where he built the mansion of his dreams, and it is a true reflection of his love for architecture and privacy.

This custom-designed mansion combines Southwestern appeal with modern amenities. The lavishly designed mansion features:

• Panoramic desert and mountain views
• High-end custom interiors
• A private studio for painting and writing

This became Hackman’s safe space, where he dedicated his time to novel writing and other personal projects.

Gene Hackman’s Career Earnings

Throughout his career, Hackman made hundreds of millions of dollars thanks to blockbuster films, royalties, and real estate investments.

Key Earnings Milestones

• Superman (1978) : $2 million upfront + backend profits
•  The Firm (1993) : $5 million
• Enemy of the State (1998) : $10 million

Retirement doesn’t seem so fun if you’re Gene Hackman, who still keeps pocketing a reasonable amount of earnings from royalties and residuals of his legendary movies.

Personal Life

Gene Hackman was married twice.

• First wife: Faye Maltese (1956 – 1986), with whom he has three children
• Second wife: Betsy Arakawa (1991 – present)

A private person, Hackman spends most of his time painting, writing novels, and enjoying the quiet life.

Hobbies & Interests

• Painting & Art
• Writing Historical Novels
• Cycling & Fitness

Unlike some of the Hollywood icons, Gene Hackman lives a low-key, peaceful lifestyle.

Real Estate

Hackman has owned a number of expensive properties across the U.S., including:

• Santa Fe, New Mexico: His post-retirement main residence
• Montecito, California: A former multi-million dollar estate

His real estate investments have been instrumental in ensuring he maintains his wealth in the long term.

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