Reclusive Gene Hackman, 93, looks fit in first sighting in years


Talk about good Genes.

Hollywood legend Gene Hackman proved he’s still in tip-top shape as he performed yard work at his ranch in Santa Fe, New Mexico on Sunday.

The “Unforgiven” actor — who celebrated his 93rd birthday back in January — looked fit and healthy as he brandished a shovel at his private estate.

Earlier in the day, the two-time Oscar winner was spotted fueling up for physical labor at a local Wendy’s, where he ordered a meal at the drive-thru.

Hungry Hackman chowed down on his chicken sandwich in the fast food franchise’s parking lot before pumping gas at a nearby station.

It was a rare sighting of the reclusive and retired star, who was last seen on screen in the 2004 comedy “Welcome To Mooseport.”

Hollywood legend Gene Hackman proved he’s still in tip-top shape as he performed yard work and ran errands in New Mexico on Sunday.

The two-time Oscar winner was spotted fueling up for physical labor at a local Wendy's.
The two-time Oscar winner was spotted fueling up for physical labor at a local Wendy’s.
SplashNews.com

The slender star wore baggy blue jeans and a gray fleece vest as he stopped by a gas station.
The slender star wore baggy blue jeans and a gray fleece vest as he stopped by a gas station.
SplashNews.com

Hackman spoke to The Post in 2021 about his role in the classic crime thriller "The French Connection," for which he won the Academy Award for Best Actor.
Hackman spoke to The Post in 2021 about his role in the classic crime thriller “The French Connection,” for which he won the Academy Award for Best Actor.
Everett Collection

Despite being one of Tinseltown’s biggest stars — appearing in classics such as “The French Connection,” “The Conversation,” “Superman,” “Hoosiers” and “The Royal Tenenbaums” — Hackman has shunned the bright lights of Hollywood.

The father-of-three, who has lived in New Mexico with his pianist wife Betsy Arakawa for decades, also abstains from giving interviews — except to The Post.

In late 2021, Hackman gave his first interview in a decade, telling The Post about his “checkered career of hits and misses.”


The star chowed down on a chicken sandwich in the Wendy's parking lot.
The star chowed down on a chicken sandwich in the Wendy’s parking lot.

It was a rare sighting of the reclusive and retired star, who was last seen on screen in the 2004 comedy "Welcome To Mooseport."
It was a rare sighting of the reclusive and retired star, who was last seen on screen in the 2004 comedy “Welcome To Mooseport.”
SplashNews.com

The "Unforgiven" actor — who celebrated his 93rd birthday back in January — looked fit and healthy as he brandished a shovel at his private estate.
Digging in: The “Unforgiven” actor — who celebrated his 93rd birthday back in January — looked fit and healthy as he brandished a shovel at his private estate.
SplashNews.com

Speaking on the 50th anniversary of “The French Connection” — the hit film for which he won the Academy Award for Best Actor — the star stated: “The film certainly helped me in my career, and I am grateful for that.”

The down-to-earth actor added that he wasn’t a fan of rewatching his own flicks and hadn’t seen the classic crime caper since 1971.

“[I] haven’t seen the film since the first screening in a dark, tiny viewing room in a post-production company’s facility 50 years ago,” he told The Post at the time.

Hackman — who previously resided in ritzy Montecito, California — has lived in Santa Fe since the 1980s.

The actor is a budding architect and designer who has helped create more than 10 homes — including a New Mexico manse that was featured in Architectural Digest.

Since his retirement from Hollywood, the star has busied himself writing novels, including the 2013 police thriller “Pursuit.”


Hackman is seen holding his Best Actor Oscar at the 1972 Academy Awards. "The French Connection" producer Philip D'Antoni is seen at left. Best Actress winner Jane Fonda is seen at right. Fonda won her gong for "Klute."
Hackman is seen holding his Best Actor Oscar at the 1972 Academy Awards. “The French Connection” producer Philip D’Antoni is seen at left. Best Actress winner Jane Fonda is seen at right. Fonda won her gong for “Klute.”
Bettmann Archive

Hackman won Best Supporting Actor at the 1993 Academy Awards for his role in Clint Eastwood's western "Unforgiven."
Hackman won Best Supporting Actor at the 1993 Academy Awards for his role in Clint Eastwood’s western “Unforgiven.”
Ron Galella Collection via Getty Images

Hackman is also an avid cyclist, a hobby he has maintained into his 90s, that keeps him looking trim and terrific.

In 2012, the actor was struck by a pick-up truck while riding his bike in Florida. He was airlifted to the hospital and made a full recovery.



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