Be honest - did you know that Gene Hackman had retired from acting? He had such a long career in Hollywood that he feels ever-present, and his films are repeated on television so much it feels like he's still working. He isn't, though - Hackman appeared in front of the camera for the very last time in 2004 and decided to walk away before he got too old.
He didn't retire though. The whole time he was acting, Hackman was hiding his true passion - studying history. As someone who knows a thing or two about a good story, Hackman now writes historical fiction. So far, he's had five novels published, and has said that he enjoys it far more than he ever did acting. He's got no plans to stop, so expect more. We wonder what will happen if one of his books is turned into a movie? Could he be tempted back?