There have already been several tragic celebrity deaths in 2025, including David Lynch andGene Hackman. Though he was 95 years old, Hackman’s passing came as a particular shock as he was discovered in conjunction with the death of his much younger wife, Besty Arakawa.His death was announced days before this year’s Academy Awards, where a special speech was given by former co-star and friend, Morgan Freeman. Hackman was a two-time Oscar winner, taking home acting awards for his roles inThe French ConnectionandUnforgiven.
One of the most impressive things aboutHackman’s careerwas his ability to play a wide range of roles. The actor could, at once, play both intense drama, like Harry Caul inThe Conversation, and comedy, such as when he played the Blindman inYoung Frankenstein. One of his most iconic late-career roles blended drama and comedy, playing dying patriarch Royal Tenenbaum in Wes Anderson’sThe Royal Tenenbaums. Now,one of Hackman’s mid-80s films is doing well on streamingas his legacy is celebrated in the wake of his death.
Hoosiers Is A Streaming Hit 39 Years Later
Hoosiers Is An Underdog Story
Hoosiershas now become a streaming hit. The sports drama tellsthe underdog story of a small-town Indiana high school basketball team that vies for a chance at the 1950s state championship. In the process, they are led by a passionate but troubled coach and a player’s alcoholic father. Hackman played Coach Norman Dale in the film, whose cast also included Barbara Hershey, Dennis Hopper, Sheb Wooley, Chelcie Ross, and Robert Swan. The film was nominated for two Oscars and became nearly an instant classic.
Hoosiers Cast & Character Guide: Where Are The Actors Now
The Hoosiers cast includes some highly acclaimed actors as well as many cast members who have completely left the industry since the movie.
PerFlixPatrol,Hoosiersis now posting up on the streaming charts.The movie is coming in at no. 5 on Prime Video’s top 10 moviesin the United States chart today, March 14. The film first appeared at no. 9 in the top 10 on Wednesday, March 12, before rising to no. 5 the next day and maintaining this position.
Our Take On Hoosiers' Streaming Success
Hackman Was So Beloved
Hoosiersis not the only Hackman film to do well on streaming in the weeks following the actor’s death. His Oscar-winningThe French Connectionwas trending recently, as well as the moviesRunaway JuryandEnemy of the State. These successes highlight how belovedHackmanwas as an actor, as even his movies, which are in very distinct genres and take on very different tones, have been able to do well for viewers at home following his death.
