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The Spokesman-Review Newspaper
Spokane, Washington  Est. May 19, 1883

Cop Who Inspired Popular Film Dies

Compiled From Wire Services

Eddie Egan, the tough-talking New York City police officer whose exploits inspired the Academy Award-winning film “The French Connection,” has died at age 65.

Egan, who retired to Fort Lauderdale in 1984, died Saturday of cancer.

In 1962 he managed a 112-pound heroin bust, one of the biggest in New York City’s history.

Egan was played in the 1971 movie by Gene Hackman, while Egan got to play the role of his own boss.

Later Egan played bit roles in many television series.