Brad Long Remembers Gene Hackman: The Down-to-Earth Icon Behind ‘Hoosiers’
In the wake of Gene Hackman’s passing at the age of 95, Brad Long—who played Buddy in the beloved basketball flick “Hoosiers”—has opened up about what it was like to share the screen with the legendary actor. Speaking to TMZ hours after the heartbreaking news hit, Long recalled his first foray into film and how Hackman’s humility shone through, even amidst his already illustrious career, which included classics like “The French Connection” and “Superman.”
Given it was Long’s debut movie role, you can imagine he felt like a deer in headlights; but Hackman? He was a total pro and a true mentor. “He made us feel comfortable,” Long recalls. According to him, Hackman went above and beyond to embrace his role as Coach Norman Dale by immersing himself in high school practices to get a feel for the nuances of coaching—epitomizing the kind of dedication that made him a standout in Hollywood.
In a world often filled with diva behavior, it’s refreshing to hear Long describe not just Hackman but the whole cast—including Dennis Hopper—as “down to earth” and free from ego. Hackman’s wisdom extended beyond the set, too. Long mentioned a particularly helpful piece of advice Hackman gave, which was about the art of acting: “It’s not about acting with a little bit more energy.” A gem like that could take someone far in any industry!
Director David Anspaugh, who also helmed the inspiring classic “Rudy,” shared his fond memories of working with Hackman in a recent interview, reinforcing the idea that talent and humility can indeed co-exist harmoniously.
As for how Hackman and his wife Betsy passed, that remains a bit of a mystery, with authorities investigating the circumstances surrounding their deaths in Santa Fe, NM. Regardless, the impact of Gene Hackman’s work—and the memories shared by co-stars like Long—will undoubtedly resonate far beyond their time on screen.
Sources: Celebrity Storm and TMZ, People Magazine, Variety
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