Gene Hackman’s friend and legendary NYPD mentor, 91 — the last living ‘French Connection’ detective

By Philip Messing Published April 12, 2025, 11:00 a.m. The death of Hollywood icon Gene Hackman saddened millions — and a legendary ex-NYPD detective who tutored him in his most famous screen role in “The French Connection” is feeling his loss more than most. READ ARTICLE