28-02-2025
EAA in Oshkosh reminisces on Gene Hackman's 1989 visit after actor's passing
OSHKOSH, Wis. (WFRV) – As the news broke on Thursday about the passing of legendary actor Gene Hackman, officials with EAA AirVenture in Oshkosh reminisced about his surprise visit in May 1989.
The two-time Oscar winner showed up at the EAA grounds in 1989 to visit with founder Paul Poberezny to talk about their shared enthusiasm for aerobatic aircraft and building planes.
Wisconsin State Patrol Master Trooper retires after 30+ years of dedicated service
Hackman was an avid pilot for many years and after his tour of EAA, he had reportedly told Poberezny that his '[visit] was one of the most enjoyable days he has experienced in quite some time,' according to an EAA news article.
Since they each had flown airplanes called Pitts Specials, they spent a lot of time talking about that and the aerobatics involved in it, and so forth. So it was just one of those happenstance things but we're very glad he stopped by. A lot of famous people have come through EAA over the years and he's another one.
Dick Knapinski, EAA Director of Communications
Hackman, his wife Betsy Arakawa, and one of their dogs were found dead at the couple's home in Santa Fe, New Mexico on Wednesday, February 26. Hackman was 95.
Groundbreaking plans begin for 'first-of-its-kind' dementia village in Sheboygan County
The causes of death are unknown and initially, no foul play was suspected. However, Santa Fe County Sheriff's Office detectives wrote in a search warrant affidavit investigators thought the deaths were 'suspicious enough in nature to require a thorough search and investigation.'
Hackman won his first Oscar in 1972 for Best Actor in a Leading Role for his performance as Jimmy Doyle in The French Connection. He again won Best Actor in a Supporting Role in 1993 for his performance as Little Bill Daggett in Unforgiven. He was nominated a total of five times.
Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
