Gene Hackman’s Unexpected Obsession With In Living Color

Gene Hackman’s reputation has long been built on his stern, no-nonsense persona, both on and off the screen. Audiences and critics alike have rarely associated him with humour, a perception that has often left the actor rather frustrated. Despite his desire to explore lighter, more comedic roles, Hackman’s success in portraying tough, world-weary characters meant he was seldom considered for such parts. While he did occasionally appear in comedies—his turn in The Birdcage springs to mind—he was rarely the first name on anyone’s list when it came to slapstick or farce.

His performances, though, were not without wit. Hackman’s filmography is peppered with sharp one-liners and dry quips, delivered with the gravitas of a man who seemed to take everything seriously. This contrast only heightened their impact. Yet, it was precisely his skill at embodying dramatic roles that made it difficult for casting directors to picture him as the lead in a light-hearted comedy. In a way, Hackman’s own talent boxed him in, making it nearly impossible for others to imagine him in a different light.

Private Tastes Revealed

Behind the scenes, however, Hackman’s personal preferences were far less conventional than his public image suggested. In a 2001 interview with Glenn Whipp, he revealed a surprising fondness for a particular television programme.

“This is going to surprise some people, but I like watching old In Living Color episodes,”

he admitted.

“That’s my sense of humour. 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.”

Few would have guessed that Hackman, with his granite features and serious demeanour, would be drawn to the anarchic energy of In Living Color. The show, known for its irreverent sketches and boundary-pushing comedy, was a far cry from the refined comedies of Cary Grant. Yet, Hackman found himself captivated by its brashness and the performances of its cast, particularly Jim Carrey.

Unlikely Fan of Outrageous Comedy

The idea of Hackman as a fan of Carrey’s over-the-top antics would have seemed improbable to most. After all, his contemporary Tommy Lee Jones, another actor famed for his sternness, once famously declared he could not abide Carrey’s buffoonery. It would have been easy to assume Hackman felt the same. Instead, even years after In Living Color had wrapped up its five-season run, Hackman remained an enthusiastic viewer, drawn to the show’s unfiltered humour and the talents of the Wayans family.

In Living Color was more than just a sketch show; it served as a launchpad for several future stars, including Carrey and Jamie Foxx, both of whom would go on to achieve considerable success in film. Hackman’s admiration for the programme and its breakout performers highlights a side of him that rarely surfaced in his own work—a genuine appreciation for the outrageous and the absurd.

A Missed Opportunity

Knowing how much Hackman enjoyed In Living Color and its most prominent alumni, it is hard not to feel a twinge of disappointment that he never shared the screen with Carrey. Such a pairing might have produced a truly memorable clash of styles, blending Hackman’s gravitas with Carrey’s exuberance. Instead, audiences are left to imagine what might have been, while Hackman’s unexpected enthusiasm for the show remains a delightful footnote in his storied career.