Gene Hackman was one of Hollywood’s most respected actors. From The French Connection and Hoosiers to Unforgiven and Superman, he spent decades at the top of his profession.

Then, in 2004, he simply walked away.

For years, fans wondered why an Oscar-winning star who could still command major roles would leave Hollywood behind. Hackman later revealed that a medical stress test helped make the decision for him. His doctor warned that his heart wasn’t in the condition to handle unnecessary stress.

And Hollywood had become exactly that — stressful. Hackman admitted that although he still loved acting, he no longer enjoyed the pressure and compromises surrounding the business.

Instead of chasing one more blockbuster, Hackman settled into a quieter life in Santa Fe and devoted more time to writing and painting. He never returned for another movie role.

After nearly half a century on screen, one of Hollywood’s greatest actors had decided that some things mattered more than another film.