Gene Hackman Reflects on Regret Over Ignored ‘Ordinary People’ Role

LOS ANGELES, Feb. 28, 2025 — Academy Award-winning actor Gene Hackman recently shared his regrets about not accepting a role in the 1980 film ‘Ordinary People.’ Directed by Robert Redford, the movie received critical and commercial acclaim, winning four Academy Awards, including Best Picture.

Although Hackman has starred in numerous classics such as ‘The French Connection’ and ‘Unforgiven,’ he revealed in a 1985 interview with People magazine that turning down ‘Ordinary People’ still weighs heavily on him. The film tells the poignant story of a family grappling with grief after the tragic death of one of their sons.

In ‘Ordinary People,’ Donald Sutherland plays Calvin Jarrett, a father navigating the emotional fallout within his family. Hackman admitted to being drawn to the script but faced a clash over financial negotiations with the studio.

“I liked the script but couldn’t come to an agreement regarding the — how can I phrase it? — the compensation,” Hackman stated. “If I thought about it, I supposed I would have to have some regrets. So the thing to do is not to think about it, don’t you think?”

The film’s success made Hackman’s decision even more poignant. ‘Ordinary People’ was nominated for six Academy Awards and solidified its legacy within American cinema. Despite this regret, his extensive filmography speaks to his talents, featuring an array of celebrated performances that make him one of the most respected actors in Hollywood.

While Hackman acknowledges this as a missed opportunity, it serves as a reminder that even successful actors are faced with difficult choices. Nonetheless, his body of work demonstrates that he has significantly contributed to the film industry in many ways.