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

Hackman's portrayal of coach Dale's transformation — and redemption — throughout "Hoosiers" was the heartbeat of the box-office classic.

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

"In my book, we’re gonna be winners." That famous line was delivered at the end of a speech by Gene Hackman's character Norman Dale in "Hoosiers." His Hickory Huskers went on to become winners on and off the court,

The two-time Academy Award winner left an indelible mark on Hollywood, but here in Indiana, he will always be remembered as Coach Norman Dale, the tough yet inspiring leader of the underdog basketball team in Hoosiers.

You might think of him first as Lex Luthor or Popeye Doyle or Little Bill Daggett or even as the blind hermit who sets Peter Boyle’s thumb ablaze. But chances are, if you are both a sports fan and a movie buff,