No, Gene Hackman Is Not Dead

[Editor’s note: This story was originally published in 2015. Hackman died in 2025.]

Actor Gene Hackman is alive and well.

Rumors were spreading that the Hollywood legend had died, following the publication of an article on sports and pop culture blog Grantland earlier this week.

The confusion was sparked by a headline that ran on the website Tuesday stating “The Greatest Living American Actor at 85: Gene Hackman Is Gone But Still in Charge,” spurring rumors that Hackman, who is in fact 84-years-old, had died.

The headline has since been revised from “Gone” to “Retired.” Hackman turns 85 on Friday.

[ABC News]