In “Hoosiers,” Gene Hackman, whose death was announced Thursday, created a man with understated strength, a taskmaster with emotional intelligence and a tormented winner.

Gene Hackman was a veteran actor in his 50s when 'Hoosiers' was released in 1986. Former Hickory Huskers and 'Hoosiers' producer remember Hackman

Hackman has died at 95, leaving behind a jewel of a sports movie about an Indiana high school basketball team. It might not be his best performance, but it’s likely his most beloved one.