Hackman A Hermit At 89!

Once-busy Star Shuns Hollywood, Rarely Leaves Desert Ranch

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SCREEN legend Gene Hackman has been living out his final days as a “sad and lonely” recluse in New Mexico, according to a spywitness!

The 89-year-old actor turned his back on Hollywood in 2004 to hole up at his ranch in Santa Fe, where he paints and writes novels.

The National ENQUIRER recently snapped Gene — a two-time Oscar winner for “The French Connection” and “Unforgiven” — during a rare public outing when he stopped for coffee.

“He looked a little grizzled but in good shape. He seemed kind of sad and lonely,” snitched a source.