One of the greatest American actors of the 20th century was voted “least likely to succeed” by his first theater school, wasn’t a star until he was 40 and possessed a face he once described as “your everyday mineworker.

Gene Hackman, who has died at 95, was a stunner in great movies and the best thing in many bad ones — a rumpled, roiling, always complex and often combustible presence who helped define the New Hollywood of the late ’60s and ’70s before going on to a varied and generous career.

Gruff in demeanor yet much beloved, Gene Hackman was one of the finest actors of his generation. The 95-year-old actor was found dead in his New Mexico home with his wife, Betsy Arakawa, and their dog,