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Jack Del Rio went to USC. His wife Linda is good friends with Betsy Arakawa. Aka Gene Hackmanâs 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)
Jack Del Rio went to USC. His wife Linda is good friends with Betsy Arakawa. Aka Gene Hackmanâs 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 Iâm in the pro shop and a man with giant sunglasses and hat pulled low comes in. I donât think anything of it.
One day Iâm in the pro shop and a man with giant sunglasses and hat pulled low comes in. I donât think anything of it.
An employee greets him, and he says âis Mark in?â. Iâm kinda around the corner in the workshop, so the employee (college student) says âyes can I ask your name?â
âYes. Gene Hackmanâ.
At this point, Iâm floored. Holy crap. GENE HACKMAN!!! I mean, Iâve become friends (Cont)
âYes. Gene Hackmanâ.
At this point, Iâm floored. Holy crap. GENE HACKMAN!!! I mean, Iâve become friends (Cont)
With Nfl all pros and other celebrities. But Gene Hackman is a whole other level.
But...said college student didnât blink and walked to me. As Iâm excited inside, I look at the UNF student and realize she has NO IDEA WHO HE IS.
âHey Mark, a âGene Hackmanâ asked for you?â
But...said college student didnât blink and walked to me. As Iâm excited inside, I look at the UNF student and realize she has NO IDEA WHO HE IS.
âHey Mark, a âGene Hackmanâ asked for you?â
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 âcoach Del Rio sent me, said I could hit some ballsâ.
It was clear he didnât want to be famous at that moment (and as i came to learn, at ANY MOMENT)
B) at a public facility c) asking to see me
I greet him, and he says âcoach Del Rio sent me, said I could hit some ballsâ.
It was clear he didnât 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.
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 âfolded sweater over the shoulderâ country club types. Iâm talking cliche city...
I call, âIâm bringing a guest. Please donât pair us. â
âWhy notâ
âWell. Itâs Gene Hackman and he just wants to play a little golfâ
I call, âIâm bringing a guest. Please donât pair us. â
âWhy notâ
âWell. Itâs Gene Hackman and he just wants to play a little golfâ
âTHE Gene Hackman?â
âYesâ
âOk. See ya in a bitâ
Mind you, this club doesnât have many members and the pro shop is always empty. You walk in, tell em youâre playing, and you walk out.
This time was WAY different.
Gene and I walk in and almost the entire staff is there.
âYesâ
âOk. See ya in a bitâ
Mind you, this club doesnât have many members and the pro shop is always empty. You walk in, tell em youâre playing, and you walk out.
This time was WAY different.
Gene and I walk in and almost the entire staff is there.
Iâm 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 âyeah, Iâm just standing here looking at maybe buying this $250 shirt...â
The GM walks right up, âMr Hackman Iâm your...
The GM walks right up, âMr Hackman Iâm your...
â...biggest fan. The French Connection is my favorite movieâ blah blah. Gene was nice, engaging and then off we went to play.
He clearly understands his celebrity and masterfully hides that he doesnât act for fame. Heâs a true thespian at heart. He enjoys the art of acting
He clearly understands his celebrity and masterfully hides that he doesnât act for fame. Heâs 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
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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
