Gene Hackman was an actor’s actor.

You don’t win two Academy Awards and a ton of accolades for just being decent on screen. And Gene Hackman was more than decent. He infused life and energy into every role he played, no matter what the genre and no matter what the storyline.

Don’t doubt me on this. Take a look at eight minutes of The French Connection, arguably the most exciting chase scene ever committed to film.

Take a look at his argument with God in the final moments of the 1972 disaster film The Poseidon Adventure, as he tries to save the survivors of capsized boat and bring them to safety.

Take a look at him chewing the scenery as the maniacal Lex Luthor in the 1978 Superman movie, where he actually received star billing in the film’s titles above Christopher Reeve. You’re not even Superman, and you’re getting billed in the film ABOVE Superman? That’s stunning.

Take a look at him claiming the Academy Award for Best Supporting Actor in the film Unforgiven, which at the time was only the second Western to ever claim the Oscar for Best Picture.

Gene Hackman passed away last night in his home in Santa Fe, New Mexico. He was 95 years old, and left a lifetime of memorable and distinct film roles. Acting in a film with Gene Hackman meant you were in a top-tier motion picture with an A-list actor.

Is there an actor on Gene Hackman’s level today? I dunno. Maybe Tom Hanks. Maybe Liam Neeson. Maybe Harrison Ford.

Or maybe, the comparisons between those men and Gene Hackman should tell you all you need to know about this actor’s roles and his career. I’m sure if offered the opportunity, Gene Hackman could have played Forrest Gump, Oskar Schindler and Han Solo in rapid succession. Or he could have played Mr. Rogers, Darkman and Thunderbolt Ross. He had that range.

He will be missed by movie fans and theater-goers worldwide.

Including this one.