Eddie Egan(1930-1995)

Mr. Egan was the tough-talking New York City police officer whose exploits inspired the Academy Award winning filmThe French Connection (1971).With partner Sonny Grosso,he managed a 112-pound heroin bust in 1962, one of the biggest in New York's history. Mr. Egan was nicknamed 'Popeye' and was played inThe French Connection (1971)byGene Hackman.Mr. Egan played the role of his own boss. Mr. Egan, who retired to Fort Lauderdale, FL, in 1984, died "the toughest cop in New York", said Cheryl Kyle-Little, who shared a home with him. Kyle-Little said Mr. Egan was working on a movie deal at the time of his death.