Brad Long Reflects on Working with Gene Hackman in ‘Hoosiers’

In the film “Hoosiers,” Gene Hackman delivered one of his most remarkable performances as Coach Norman Dale. Following the passing of this iconic actor at the age of 95, his co-star has taken the opportunity to reflect on their time together and share heartfelt memories.

TMZ Sports recently interviewed Brad Long, who portrayed Buddy in the classic film, just hours after the devastating news of Hackman’s death broke. During the interview, Long shared his profound experiences of working alongside the esteemed Academy Award-winning actor in what was his debut film role.

Brad Long, who played the character Buddy in the beloved 1986 film, described how Gene Hackman was incredibly approachable and down-to-earth. He emphasized that Hackman had a unique ability to put everyone at ease on set, stating that he never made any of the cast feel self-conscious about their performances, which fostered a supportive environment for all.

Despite Gene Hackman having an illustrious career with accolades from iconic films like “The French Connection” and “Superman,” he fully embraced the role of Coach Norman Dale. Long noted that Hackman’s dedication to the character was evident, as he immersed himself in the role with a remarkable enthusiasm that inspired everyone around him.

Long shared that Hackman expressed a keen interest in fully understanding the role. He said, “He came in and said, ‘Hey, I want to go to some high school practices. I wanna watch the body language, I wanna watch the verbiage the coaches use.’” This commitment to authenticity showcased Hackman’s dedication to delivering a realistic performance that resonated with audiences.

Long expressed his admiration for Hackman’s humility and openness to learning. He remarked, “I was always really impressed at that. Even at that level of his acting ability, he said, ‘Hey, I can learn some things here.’” This attitude of growth and curiosity set a powerful example for the younger actors on set.

At 62, Long reflected on how significantly the film impacted his life, stating that it became a pivotal moment for him, despite being one of the few occasions he had the chance to perform in front of a camera. The experience of working with such a legendary actor left a lasting impression on him and shaped his future endeavors in the entertainment industry.

Long also highlighted that Hackman, along with other notable stars like Dennis Hopper, exhibited down-to-earth personalities, devoid of ego. This humility fostered a collaborative atmosphere on set where everyone felt valued and appreciated, contributing to the film’s overall success.

Long reflected on Hackman’s mentorship, sharing, “Gene always gave us really good advice.” His insights were instrumental in shaping the performances of the younger actors, providing guidance that went beyond mere acting techniques.

He further elaborated on Hackman’s wisdom, stating, “He said, ‘The art of acting is not acting with a little bit more energy.’ This advice proved invaluable for Long as he navigated the challenges of acting, especially when initially faced with intimidation on set. Hackman’s approach always made the atmosphere welcoming and supportive, encouraging everyone to give their best.

Charles and Babcock also had the opportunity to connect with the film’s director, David Anspaugh, known for his work on “Rudy.” They discussed their experiences collaborating with Hackman and the impact he had on the film and its cast during an appearance on “TMZ Live.”