DCI Gene Hunt is a fictional character in BBC One's science fiction/police procedural drama Life on Mars and its sequel, Ashes to Ashes. The character is portrayed by Philip Glenister in both Life on Mars and Ashes to Ashes, whereas in the American version he is portrayed by Harvey Keitel. His younger self, also known as the ghost of Gene Hunt, is portrayed by Mason Kayne. The character is portrayed as politically incorrect, brutal and corrupt - but fundamentally good.