Gene Hackman’s Unexpected Obsession With a Wild Comedy Series

Gene Hackman built his legacy on playing tough, no-nonsense characters, both on and off the screen. His reputation as a serious, hard-edged actor made it hard for audiences—and Hollywood itself—to picture him as a comedic talent. Hackman himself found this frustrating. He often wished he could take on more lighthearted roles, but his success in gritty dramas meant he was rarely considered for slapstick or comedic scripts. Even though he delivered memorable comic moments in films like The Birdcage, casting directors never saw him as the go-to guy for broad comedy.

Despite this, Hackman’s performances were often laced with sharp wit and dry humor. His one-liners landed so well because they came from someone who always seemed to take life seriously. That stone-faced delivery became his trademark, making his rare forays into comedy all the more striking. Ironically, Hackman’s own skill at playing hardened characters may have boxed him in, keeping him from the lighter roles he secretly craved.

Hackman’s Surprising Taste in TV

What few people realized was that Hackman’s personal taste in humor was far from refined or reserved. In a 2001 interview with Glenn Whipp, he revealed a surprising favorite:

This is going to surprise some people, but I like watching old In Living Color episodes. That’s my sense of humor. Sure, I like watching Cary Grant, and I’d like to think of myself as sophisticated and urbane, but I love watching Jim Carrey, too. A lot of it is so awful, so crass, but it turns me on.

The idea of Hackman, a two-time Oscar winner, being a fan of Jim Carrey’s wild antics would have shocked most fans. While his contemporary Tommy Lee Jones famously couldn’t stand Carrey’s over-the-top style, Hackman was drawn to it, even years after In Living Color had wrapped its five-season run.

In Living Color’s Lasting Impact

Hackman’s admiration for In Living Color went beyond just enjoying a few laughs. He was captivated by the Wayans family ’s fearless performances and the show’s boundary-pushing sketches. The series not only entertained him but also launched the careers of stars like Carrey and Jamie Foxx, who would go on to dominate the big screen. For Hackman, the show’s raw, unfiltered humor was irresistible, even if it clashed with his own public persona.

Knowing how much Hackman loved In Living Color makes it all the more bittersweet that he and Carrey never teamed up for a film. Their contrasting styles could have made for an unforgettable on-screen pairing, blending Hackman’s gravitas with Carrey’s manic energy. Still, Hackman’s candid confession offers a rare glimpse into the lighter side of a Hollywood legend known for his intensity.