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By Abby Tegnelia
Contributing Entertainment Writer
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Hollywood legend Gene Hackman starred in dozens of movies during his illustrious career — but only one can hold the title of scoring the biggest at the box office.
Through the decades, Hackman — who, along with his wife and dog, was found dead on February 26, 2025 — became known for his anti-hero roles, and his No. 1 movie was no different: 1978's Superman, for which the icon played the movie's villain, Lex Luthor. Hackman was 95 years old at the time of his death.
The power-hungry and super-intelligent Luthor, Superman's arch-nemesis, is one of the most iconic DC Comics villains. Hackman played the character (Christopher Reeve co-starred as Superman) in two sequels as well: 1980's Superman II and 1987's Superman IV: The Quest for Peace.
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After a blockbuster opening weekend that brought in $7,465,343, the original Superman went on to make $134,478,449 in the U.S. and a total of $300,478,449 worldwide, according to Box Office Mojo. That would be almost $1.5 billion in 2025.
Some of Hackman's other box office hits include The French Connection in 1971, Crimson Tide in 1995, The Birdcage in 1996, and The Royal Tenenbaums in 2001. He played a hard-boiled detective, a tough captain during an international nuclear crisis, a hilariously out-of-touch politician, and a dysfunctional patriarch, respectively.
The Hollywood legend's first movie was a supporting role in 1967's Bonnie and Clyde, and his first starring role was in I Never Sang for My Father in 1970. He last hit the big screen in the political satire Welcome to Mooseport in 2004
Hackman, his wife, classical pianist Betsy Arakawa, 63; and their dog were found dead in their Santa Fe home on February 26, 2025. It is unknown how long they were deceased before being discovered on a wellness check.
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