United Kingdom, March 11 -- Gene Hackman said he would have likely died "long ago" without the care and support of his wife Betsy Arakawa.

according to a close friend of the pair.

The actor, 95, and his 65-year-old spouse were found deceased at their home in Santa Fe Summit, New Mexico, on Wednesday, 26 February, after the couple had lived a quiet life away from the spotlight in their home state.

Their friend Tom Allin, who had been friends with Gene for around 20 years, has now told The New York Times 'The French Connection' star "seemed happy" to have his wife "run things" and take care of him.

He added: "She was very protective of him.:

Tom also said Gene had expressed his gratitude for her support to him, saying: "He probably wou...