Gene Hackman recently made a rare public appearance alongside his wife, Betsy Arakawa, sparking quite a bit of attention. At 94 years old, Hackman is rarely seen in public, and this outing with his spouse created quite a stir, especially with fans who were surprised by his noticeably gaunt appearance.

Many fans didn’t immediately recognize Hackman, and his frail look led to a flood of online reactions.

Dressed casually, Hackman sported gray cargo pants paired with an eco-gray button-down shirt. He completed the outfit with sunglasses and a cap. Despite being active, Hackman required some assistance as he held onto his wife with one hand and used a cane with the other. This moment was particularly significant since it was the couple’s first public appearance together in nearly two decades.

For fans of classic cinema, Hackman is known for his iconic roles, such as in The French Connection. In the 1971 hit, Hackman portrayed Jimmy Doyle, a determined detective hunting down a heroin smuggler operating between Marseille and New York. His role in this film has left an indelible mark on Hollywood history.

However, it was Hackman’s recent appearance that led to a surge of social media discussions. Fans expressed mixed emotions about seeing the actor in such a vulnerable state. Many were saddened by his visibly aged appearance, with one person commenting, “It’s tough to see him getting older.” Another remarked, “That doesn’t look like him at all.”

Other comments were even more emotional, with one fan expressing disbelief, saying, “I would never have recognized him.” Hackman’s frailty led one individual to remark, “It seems like the wind could blow him away.”

Though time has taken its toll on the legendary actor, Hackman’s legacy in film remains strong, with his devoted fans continuing to celebrate his remarkable career.