The world was shocked to discover the news that Gene Hackman (95), his wife Betsy Arakawa (63), and one of their three dogs were found dead at their home in Sante Fe, New Mexico on Feb. 26. There are more details coming out about the deaths, but the world is mourning the passing of one of the greatest actors in cinema history.
Read more: Gene Hackman and Wife Found Dead at Home
Not only has Hackman appeared in countless classic movies like “Bonnie and Clyde,” “The French Connection,” and “Superman,” but the famed actor had a massive impact on the sports film genre as well.
Hackman starred in “Hoosiers,” which was released in 1986, and is widely regarded as one of the greatest sports films ever made. In fact, the film appears on many top sports film lists from publications like Rolling Stone, Vulture, and AP.
AP posted a top sports film list in 2020, with “Hoosiers” holding the top spot. The 1980s come-from-behind story was a hit then, and remains an impactful film now.
Gene Hackman as Coach Jimmy McGinty in “The Replacements.”
Gene Hackman as Coach Jimmy McGinty in “The Replacements.”
Warner Bros.
“Hoosiers” sees Hackman star as Coach Norman Dale, a disgraced former basketball coach who gets a second chance after striking one of his players. Dale gets the chance at redemption after coaching a small-town Indiana high school basketball team to a national championship.
The film is said to be inspired by the real-life story of the 1954 Indiana state champions, Milan High School. Milan High School won the title in 1954 in the Indiana-only state championship and had been the smallest school to achieve that feat.
The iconic line “In my book, we’re gonna be winners,” is cemented in sports film history, though it wouldn’t be the only film that Hackman would appear in that became a hit amongst sports film fans.
Fast forward to the year 2000, when Hackman paired with the fan-favorite Keanu Reeves to deliver one of the most iconic and contemporary sports films, “The Replacements.”
Much like many come-from-behind victory films in the sports genre, “The Replacements” follows a forgotten ragtag group of football players who get a second chance at glory when the fictional league in the film goes on strike. With professional players not wanting to play, replacement players are called on to finish the season.
Reeves plays a dynamic and once-great quarterback Shane Falco, who led Ohio State to the 1996 Sugar Bowl but choked in the game. His short-lived professional career led to him cleaning barnacles off boats when Hackman’s Jimmy McGinty came calling.
McGinty puts together a team that includes Jon Favreau as Daniel “Danny” Bateman, Michael Jace as Earl Wilkinson aka “Ray Smith,” and Orlando Jones as Clifford Franklin. The replacement players not only start winning games but they are able to get the Washington Sentinels before it is announced the strike ends, and they must go back to their normal lives.
Hackman has a legendary resume of unforgettable films, but two of his best have been hits for sports film fans for decades and will remain so.
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