Random story:
Jack Del Rio went to USC. His wife Linda is good friends with Betsy Arakawa. Aka Gene Hackman’s wife.

While Jack was coach for the Jags, Gene and Betsy was would spend Thanksgiving>Christmas in Jax Beach to visit and spend time. (Cont)

At the time I ran a golf academy and taught. I had a few Jags players as clients (Rashean Mathis, Josh Scobee and others) and I gave a quick lesson to Jack.

One day I’m in the pro shop and a man with giant sunglasses and hat pulled low comes in. I don’t think anything of it.

An employee greets him, and he says “is Mark in?”. I’m kinda around the corner in the workshop, so the employee (college student) says “yes can I ask your name?”

“Yes. Gene Hackman”.

At this point, I’m floored. Holy crap. GENE HACKMAN!!! I mean, I’ve become friends (Cont)

With Nfl all pros and other celebrities. But Gene Hackman is a whole other level.

But...said college student didn’t blink and walked to me. As I’m excited inside, I look at the UNF student and realize she has NO IDEA WHO HE IS.

“Hey Mark, a ‘Gene Hackman’ asked for you?”

I go up to him, bewildered a) why is he in Jacksonville
B) at a public facility c) asking to see me

I greet him, and he says “coach Del Rio sent me, said I could hit some balls”.

It was clear he didn’t want to be famous at that moment (and as i came to learn, at ANY MOMENT)

I simply said, yessir. I have a spot for you.
Set him up in the instruction area and let him be.
Eventually he came back a few times and i worked with him. What a nice man and gentleman.
Anyhow it was time to take him to a local course to play and have a playing lesson.

We go to a private club in Ponte Vedra. The Head Pro and GM are ‘folded sweater over the shoulder’ country club types. I’m talking cliche city...
I call, “I’m bringing a guest. Please don’t pair us. “

“Why not”

“Well. It’s Gene Hackman and he just wants to play a little golf”

“THE Gene Hackman?”

“Yes”

“Ok. See ya in a bit”

Mind you, this club doesn’t have many members and the pro shop is always empty. You walk in, tell em you’re playing, and you walk out.

This time was WAY different.

Gene and I walk in and almost the entire staff is there.

I’m talking both pros are at the counter (dudes never leave their office!), GM of the club...probably half the wait staff etc. All trying to look natural like “yeah, I’m just standing here looking at maybe buying this $250 shirt...”

The GM walks right up, “Mr Hackman I’m your...

“...biggest fan. The French Connection is my favorite movie” blah blah. Gene was nice, engaging and then off we went to play.

He clearly understands his celebrity and masterfully hides that he doesn’t act for fame. He’s a true thespian at heart. He enjoys the art of acting

I have a funny story about that day on the course, and taking him to meet racing legend Hurley Haywood as well. This thread is getting too long though.

Just wanted to share that Gene Hackman is an absolute gem of a guy. If I helped kill a few minutes of your day, then