Despite Confusion, Gene Hackman Is ‘Alive and Well,’ Says Rep
Published at(NEW YORK) — After a Grantland article ran Tuesday with the headline “The Greatest Living American Actor at 85: Gene Hackman Is Gone But Still in Charge,” there was concern that the 84-year-old had died.
If you are confused about the age in the title and his real age, Hackman turns 85 on Friday.
The title has since changed from “Gone” to “Retired,” but not before several tweets went out with “RIP” and “condolences” for the acting legend’s family.
If that wasn’t enough, a Facebook page with “RIP Gene Hackman” also went up that claimed he died on Monday.
It read, “He will be missed but not forgotten. Please show your sympathy and condolences by commenting on and liking this page,” according to ET Canada.
People were confused, but have since been relieved to find out the actor’s fine. On Wednesday, Hackman’s rep told ABC News that the Hoosiers star is “alive and well.”
Other actors like Dylan McDermott were not all that happy that people took the headline and ran with it. He had originally tweeted “Rest in Peace” about the icon, then took it down when he found out it was all just a hoax.
I guess Gene Hackman’s death was a celebrity hoax. People have too much damn time on their hands…
— Dylan McDermott (@DylanMcDermott) January 28, 2015
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