Gene Hackman OK after Fla. bicycle accident

[January 14, 2012]  MIAMI (AP) -- Oscar-winner Gene Hackman was briefly hospitalized with bumps and bruises Friday after a pickup truck hit him from behind while he was riding a bicycle in the Florida Keys, his publicist said.

The 81-year-old Hackman was airlifted to a Miami hospital and released several hours later after routine tests, said publicist Susan Madore.

Hackman was riding without a helmet on an Islamorada street around 3 p.m. when the pickup hit him, throwing him onto the grassy shoulder, according to a Florida Highway Patrol report. No charges were immediately reported.

During a career that has spanned five decades, Hackman has won two Academy Awards and been nominated for three others.

He took the Best Actor trophy for his portrayal of Jimmy "Popeye" Doyle in "The French Connection" in 1971 and the Best Supporting Actor award for "Unforgiven" in 1992.

He also was nominated for Best Supporting Actor for his breakthrough role as Buck Barrow, Clyde Barrow's brother, in "Bonnie & Clyde" in 1967, as well as "I Never Sang for My Father" in 1970 and "Mississippi Burning" in 1988. Besides the Oscars, Hackman has won three Golden Globes and two BAFTAs.

Hackman is also widely known for playing Superman's archenemy Lex Luthor in three films.

[Associated Press]

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