Internet death hoaxes are an everyday occurrence, and more often than not a celebrity will be victim of these kind of rumors, spread online over and over again by websites that are not to be trusted and yet some are; in any case, thankfully, the latest rumors were just a Gene Hackman death hoax.

Known for a long career that includes wide successes like being Lex Luthor in the Christopher Reeve 70s and 80s "Superman" movies, two Oscars and having worked with some of the biggest names in show business, the Gene Hackman hoax makes more sense than others before it - like Macaulay Culkin's - but it's still just insane rumors.

According to Time Magazine, the confusion in regards of the Gene Hackman death hoax started earlier this week, after the blog Grantland, which specializes in pop culture and sports, published an article entitled "The Greatest Living American Actor At 85: Gene Hackman Is Gone But Still In Charge," which sparked rumors that the "Unforgiven" actor had passed away right before his birthday next January 30.

As Entertainment Tonight Canada reports, the thing that sparked the Gene Hackman death hoax may have been a few weeks back, when "Dances with Wolves" star Kevin Costner accepted an award and honored Sean Connery and Hackman, saying he felt like he was accepting the honor because the two legendary actors were unable to receive it themselves.

The Inquisitr reports that a rep for the actor recently said that Hackman was alive and well, and website Grantland changed the wording of their title from "Gone" to "Retired" - which isn't news in itself, as the "French Connection" actor hasn't worked since 2004, after being awarded the Cecil B. DeMille Lifetime Achievement Award from the Hollywood Foreign Press back in 2003.

Thankfully, the Gene Hackman death hoax was only that - and the two-time Academy Award-winning actor is still alive and kicking!