Oscar winner GENE HACKMAN nearly lost his cool during a terrifying brush with cancer!
When doctors said that he needed immediate surgery for an enlarged prostate gland, the 81-year-old acting legend feared the worst, according to a source.
“Gene’s first thought was cancer because enlargement of the prostate and prostate cancer have similar symptoms,” revealed an insider.
“He was experiencing pain and having trouble with urine flow – and he was gripped with fear.”
But the “FrenchConnection” star heaved a huge sigh of relief, said the source, when his doctor told him that his prostate was cancer-free.
In late October, the retired actor underwent laser surgery for the problem in Santa Fe, N.M., where he lives with his second wife, Betsy.
“Gene was in the hospital for less than 24 hours before he was released to go home,” the source divulged.
While the “Unforgiven” star’s publicist did not reply to a request for comment, Hackman is well on the road to recovery, said the source.
“In spite of complaining of soreness, Gene is in good spirits and feeling much better since the surgery,” the source noted.
“Prostate cancer is always at the back of his mind, but for now Gene’s happily back to working on his second careers as an artist and novelist. He’s even considering doing one last film.”
