Many had a tinge of threat, sometimes more than a hint. His depiction as New York police officer Popeye Doyle, a detective who gets his man.
But at a heavy cost, earned him an Oscar in the 1971 film “The French Connection.” In 1974’s “The Conversation,” his surveillance specialist loses all perspective and becomes obsessive.
His portrayal of the murderous sheriff Little Bill Daggett in Clint Eastwood’s 1992 film “Unforgiven” earned him his second Oscar.
Fans and other celebrities have started paying their respects to the late Hollywood icon on social media.
“The loss of a great artist, always cause for both mourning and celebration,” said Oscar-winning filmmaker Francis Ford Coppola, who collaborated with Hackman on “The Conversation.”
“A superb actor, remarkable in his work and intricacy, and inspiring.” Coppola remarked, “I celebrate his existence and contribution, and I mourn his loss.”
