Movies - TV
The Only Surviving Stars Of The French Connection
By CHRIS EVANGELISTA
William Friedkin's gritty 1971 drama, "The French Connection" is based on a true story of a no-nonsense, rule-breaking cop who gets caught up investigating a drug-smuggling case.
Known for one of the best chase sequences ever captured on film, the movie was a huge hit. Released nearly 53 years ago, most of its cast has passed, but some stars survive.
Gene Hackman
Now retired at 94, it was "The French Connection" that truly launched Gene Hackman to stardom, winning the Academy Award for Best Actor as Jimmy "Popeye" Doyle.
Hackman continued appearing in titles such as "Reds" (1981), "Hoosiers," "Crimson Tide," and "The Birdcage" and won a second Oscar for Best Supporting Actor in "Unforgiven."
Tony Lo Bianco
A film, stage, and television actor, 87-year-old Tony Lo Bianco began his acting career on Broadway in the 1960s before landing the role of mobster Sal Boca.
He went on to appear in films like “Serpico” and “Nixon,” and TV shows like "Walker, Texas Ranger," "Law & Order: Criminal Intent," and 2022's "Somewhere in Queens."