Rumors of legendary actor Gene Hackman’s demise surfaced on Twitter late yesterday after website Grantland published an article titled “The Greatest Living American Actor at 85: Gene Hackman Is Gone But Still in Charge.” Fans and actors – specifically Dylan McDermott – mourned the apparent loss on social media amid RIP hashtags and crying emojis. Not long after the tweets started pouring in, Hackman’s rep confirmed his life status and the website tweaked their article title to read, “The Greatest Living American Actor at 85: Gene Hackman Is Retired But Still in Charge.” Nice clickbait, Grantland.
Aside from being very much alive, Hackman’s 85th birthday is this Friday. After coming back from the dead, the man deserves a drink.
[Photo: Getty Images Sports | Jamie McCarthy]
