Leslie Anne Allen, Hackman’s daughter whom he shared with his late ex-wife Faye Maltese, has said of her father’s marriage to Arakawa, “They had a wonderful marriage. And I give credit to his wife, Betsy, for keeping him alive.”

According to friend Tom Allin, Hackman would have likely died "long ago" if he didn't have the support of his wife. Speaking to the New York Times, Allin, who was friends with Hackman for about two decades, said the actor "seemed happy" to have his wife "run things" and help him in life.

Gene Hackman, who won two Academy Awards and is widely regarded as one of the greatest actors of all time, has been found dead at his home in New Mexico.