When Gene Hackman Almost Punched Me: A Wild Hollywood Encounter

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Gene Hackman angrily bolted out of his chair and came at me. I swear he wanted to throw a punch.

In the year 2000, it was Puerto Rico where we found ourselves during the rehearsals for the movie “Under Suspicion.” My friend, Stephen Hopkins, was preparing to take the director’s chair for this production, featuring stars Gene, Morgan Freeman, Monica Bellucci, and Thomas Jane.

In this version, I attempted to use simpler and more conversational language while maintaining the original context and structure of the sentence.

For several weeks during my extensive career, the private rehearsals stand out as one of life’s greatest joys. Our days were spent on a higher floor of a San Juan hotel, which had been temporarily closed due to hurricane damage. The production team transformed this space to resemble our eventual stage setup. Mostly, it was just Stephen, Gene, Morgan, and myself for three weeks straight.

During my long career, the private rehearsals I did with Stephen, Gene, Morgan, and others in a San Juan hotel were one of the best experiences I’ve had. We spent days making the hotel space look like our actual stage, and we worked together for three weeks straight.

Later on, Stephen shared with me, “I wish I could have prevented you from saying what you told Gene.” This script felt more like a stage play. For months, Stephen had been sitting beside me at the computer, meticulously perfecting every word. And now, there I was, watching Gene stumble over his lines repeatedly. So, in an instant, I did something unexpected. I advised the world’s greatest actor on how to deliver the line correctly.

Now, Gene has risen from his seat and is approaching me. In that instant, time seemed to stand still while my thoughts accelerated. I recalled an old nature show titled Mutual of Omaha’s Wild Kingdom and how animals should never exhibit fear to endure. I remembered a documentary about a young Gene Hackman who deceived his age to enlist in the Marines at 16. Stories circulated about Gene, in his twenties, who would frequently instigate fights in bars against larger, taller opponents.

In that moment, standing at around 6’4″ and 30 years younger, Jimmy “Popeye” Doyle was preparing to land a punch. I held my ground, snarling, “Gene, for how much longer must I endure your mistakes and disrupt my operations?

In that moment, Gene Hackman abruptly halted. He shot me a glance. Then, he flashed a smile. Following our rehearsal that day, Gene treated me to dinner. It was just the two of us. Over time, we grew quite close and became dear friends.

The proof was established during the debut of the film “Under Suspicion” at the Cannes Film Festival. Traditionally, a grand gala takes place prior to the red carpet at the majestic old Majestic Hotel. Following this, attendees proceed to the rear loading dock where twenty identical new Mercedes-Benz sedans are parked in a row. Everyone then gets into a car and drives as a convoy through the block to the Croisette. Upon arrival, they exit their vehicles to confront a sea of photographers and flashbulbs before walking along the renowned red carpet outside the Palais.

However, on that particular night, my stunning wife, Ruthanne, had a sudden need to use the restroom. By the time we reached the loading dock, every car was already filled, leaving no room for us as they were preparing to depart. This unfortunate circumstance meant I would miss the red carpet event. To my dismay, neither I nor my friend Stephen found anyone willing to assist us in our predicament on that dismal dock.

Out of nowhere, the lead vehicle in the convoy abruptly revealed an opening, and there stood Gene Hackman. Calling out to Pete and me, he beckoned us forward. He guided us into his car, where his wife, Betsy, perched on his lap, while Ruthanne nestled close by my side. Across the street we drove, our steps following the same path on the red carpet.

Gene Hackman, in his essence, was one of the most considerate, heartwarming individuals we’ve ever encountered. He embodies that very characterization. We were fortunate enough to call him our friend. A dominant yet respectful figure who acknowledged a young man with courage, standing up to him. He was also a gentle, thoughtful, and intellectually astute person, whom I am honored and proud to have been friends with.

W. Peter Iliff is an experienced screenwriter and producer in Hollywood, known for movies like “Point Break”, “Patriot Games” and “Varsity Blues”. Upcoming films he’s executive producing include “Deep Water” directed by Renny Harlin and “Turbulence” by Claudio Fah. Previously, he wrote a piece for The Hollywood Reporter expressing his affection for Pacific Palisades following the L.A. wildfires.

On February 26, 2025, Gene Hackman and his spouse, Betsy Arakawa, were tragically discovered deceased within their residence in Santa Fe, New Mexico.

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2025-02-28 03:25