American actor Gene Hackman has revealed that he is focusing more on his writing than acting.

The French Connection and Unforgiven star confessed that at the ripe old age of 78, his days on the big screen have ended.

Hackman has just published his third historical novel, Escape From Andersonville and he is now focusing his talents on fiction instead.

"I haven't worked in acting for four years now so I guess you'd call it retirement... and I don't miss the business," the Daily Express quoted him, as saying.

The actor had been devoting his time to writing with his archaeologist neighbour, Daniel Lenihan.

"I never read reviews of the films I've done but I read reviews of the books," he said.

"I'm a neophyte at this and I want some kind of reinforcement that I should continue," he added.