Gene Hackman, 94, spotted in new photos wearing nearly identical outfit as in "The French Connection"

After retiring from acting in 2004, Gene Hackman, 94, was spotted in Santa Fe, NM, looking sporty and outdoorsy.

Gene Hackman, now 94 years old, has been out of the public eye since retiring from acting in 2004. Recently, exclusive photos obtained by The Post show the Oscar winner taking a leisurely stroll in Santa Fe, New Mexico, on April 5. Despite his age, Hackman did not appear to need a cane as he ran errands, dressed in a casual outfit of a baseball cap, vest, and flannel shirt.

Known for his roles in "Mississippi Burning" and "Bonnie and Clyde," Hackman has maintained a low profile in Santa Fe since the 1980s. He is rarely seen in public with his second wife, Betsy Arakawa, whom he married in 1992. Prior to Arakawa, Hackman was married to Faye Maltese, with whom he had three children before their divorce in 1986.

In a rare interview with Larry King in 2004, Hackman shared his reluctance to talk about himself and his discomfort watching himself on screen. He explained that his interest in acting was sparked by his mother, who expressed her desire to see him pursue a career in film after watching a movie together. Despite his successful acting career, Hackman announced his retirement in 2004, stating that he felt it was "probably all over."

Reflecting on his legacy, Hackman expressed a desire to be remembered as a "decent actor" who portrayed characters honestly. Although he has since retired from acting, Hackman has ventured into writing, penning novels like the 2013 thriller "Pursuit." In a 2011 interview with GQ, he hinted at the possibility of returning to acting under certain conditions, showing that his passion for the craft still lingers.

Gene Hackman's remarkable career and personal life have been marked by a sense of humility and dedication to his craft. Despite his iconic status in Hollywood, he remains grounded and focused on his family and personal well-being. As he enjoys his retirement in Santa Fe, Hackman's legacy as a talented and respected actor continues to endure.

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