Eugene Allen "Gene" Hackman (born January 30, 1930) is a retired American actor and novelist. In a career spanning nearly five decades, Hackman was nominated for five Academy Awards, winning Best Actor in The French Connection and Best Supporting Actor in Unforgiven. He won three Golden Globes and two BAFTAs.
He is best known for portraying the villainous Lex Luthor in Superman, Superman II, and Superman IV: The Quest for Peace.