Gene Hackman’s passing this week really struck me. His performances in classic films like Bonnie and Clyde, The Conversation, The French Connection, Superman, Unforgiven, and The Royal Tenenbaums are some of my favorites. Although he was one of Hollywood’s greatest actors, he wasn’t an overnight success. In fact, early in his career, he was told he would never make it. At the Pasadena Playhouse, he and his friend Dustin Hoffman were voted “least likely to succeed.” Imagine hearing that as a young actor. Many would have quit. Hackman didn’t; he worked harder.
That kind of perseverance is something we talk a lot about in education. Whether it’s a tough math problem, learning to play an instrument, or trying out for a sports team, success isn’t just about talent—it’s about effort and resilience. We want our students to understand that setbacks aren’t the end of the road. They are part of the process.
The growth mindset approach
Hackman wasn’t just persistent—he was adaptable. He didn’t take easy roles; he took on challenges, constantly pushing himself as an actor. Even when he reached the height of his career, he kept learning and kept evolving. He didn’t coast on past success—he worked to get better. This probably emerged from his childhood, when his father abandoned him. In an interview, Hackman recalled seeing his dad wave then drive away, and instantly knowing that his father wasn’t returning. At age 16, he lied about his age to join the Marines. He didn’t get his break in acting until the age of 36.
This is exactly the mindset we want our students to develop: the idea that learning doesn’t stop when you master something. It’s an ongoing process. Whether a student is in Pre-K or getting ready for college, the goal is to help them see learning as something that continues for life. We want them to be curious, to embrace challenges, and to step outside their comfort zones.
Reinvention and lifelong learning
Hackman did something else that really resonates with me. After decades of being a top actor, he walked away from Hollywood—not because he had to, but because he was ready for something new. And what did he do? He became a writer. At an age when many people slow down, he started over.
That ability to reinvent, to take on something new, is one of the most important skills we can give our students. They won’t have just one job or one career in their lifetime. The world is changing quickly, and they will need to adapt. Teaching them how to learn, how to take risks, and how to be open to new possibilities is just as important as any subject we teach in school.
Character over recognition
Hackman never cared about being the most famous actor. He wasn’t flashy and didn’t chase celebrity status. He just showed up, did the work, and left behind a legacy of excellence. That’s something we can all take to heart.
We want our students to focus on what really matters—character, effort, and impact. Success isn’t about being in the spotlight. It’s about doing the work, learning, and growing every step of the way.
So maybe this weekend, take a little inspiration from Gene Hackman. Step into something new. Embrace a challenge. And if you’re looking for a great movie, Hoosiers is always a good choice: best motivation talk—ever.