Which military branch did Gene Hackman serve under?

Eugene Allen Hackman (born January 30, 1930) is a retired American actor and novelist. In a career that spanned more than six decades, Hackman was nominated for five Academy Awards, winning Best Actor in The French Connection and Best Supporting Actor in Unforgiven. He won four Golden Globes, one SAG Award and two BAFTAs.

When he was 16 years old, Hackman dropped out of high school to join the U.S. Marine Corps. He lied about his age in order to enlist. During his time in the service, Hackman worked as a radio operator, and finished his high school education. He then studied acting at the Pasadena Playhouse Theatre.

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15 Comments

Ken Walkley

Amazing how many actors of his generation were also part of the military of our country. They knew what it means to be great Americans.

Barney Sloan

He was great as the blind man in Young Frankenstien

Judi Hanan

At 16 wanting to go into the marines is amazing. I imagine they didn’t ask for birth certificate back then. I would think he would have had to have been mature enough to understand the meaning of it all.

Paulette Arnold

It always surprises me that the military doesn't require age verification. I have hear of numerous people joining the military at a younger age. Maybe it does now

Corey Taylor

Semper Fi, Popeye!

earlepg

Perhaps the U.S. in front of Marine Corps was a clue in spite of about 2/3 missing it?

earlepg

Ken Walkley, World War II would have something to do with it.

Stephen W. Gerrard

stevemanning, LOL. How so you act like a grate?

catmom

Barney Sloan, I love Young Frsnkenstein but it took me several times watching the movie that it was Gene Hackman. I also thought that being in tough guy roles that he had to be in the Marines.