GENE Hackman’s longtime friend has broken his silence after the two-time Oscar winner and his wife's shocking deaths. The couple was found dead inside their Santa Fe home on Wednesday, sparking a wave of confusion and speculation among fans and loved ones alike. Doug Lanham, who met Hackman over 20 years ago and became close friends, described the beloved actor as a "mischievous" soul, fond of practical jokes and an undeniable passion for life. “Gene really was the life of the party,” Lanham, who was also Hackman's business partner, told the Daily Mail. “He was always ready with a laugh, and his love for Betsy was clear to anyone who knew them.” The couple, who had been together for years, were found in separate rooms of their $3.8 million New Mexico mansion, with one of their dogs also dead in the home. Hackman’s pacemaker last recorded a heartbeat on February 17, leading authorities to believe that he passed away on that day. But questions still linger as to how both Hackman, 95, and Arakawa, 65, died. Lanham, 76, who founded the popular Santa Fe restaurant Jinja, said he struggled to understand the circumstances of his friends’ deaths. “We’d all kind of expected it, he’s 95, and in some of the pictures towards the end there he was looking frail,” he said. “But to hear what took place, I still can’t process it. They were so dignified and so in love with each other.” The former business partner emphasized Hackman’s complex, sometimes self-critical nature. Despite starring in more than 80 films, Lanham revealed that Hackman “never saw a single one” of his own performances. “I think the person doing the creating, maybe they feel like it’s never good enough,” he mused, recalling a chilling moment from Hackman’s role in Mississippi Burning. But Hackman’s true spirit, Lanham said, shone brightest in their everyday moments. He recounted a memorable prank where Hackman, who was known for his playful streak, filled a water pistol with red wine at a high-society event and chased partygoers around. "He thought that was the most fun in the world," Lanham laughed. The star was found dead alongside his wife Betsy Arakawa and their pet dog at their home in Santa Fe, cops said.Gene was last spotted with his wife in 2024 just weeks after his 94th birthdayCops have not revealed the acting legend's cause of death but say there are no signs of foul playPolice also said an "active investigation" has been launched into the couple's shocking deathTributes to Gene and Betsy pour in from fellow Hollywood actors and starsGene made a haunting comment on his "fear" of deathThe actor's pal revealed how he went from the least likely to succeed at school to a two-time Oscar winnerGene had a "difficult" relationship with his kids and lost touch with his sonHow Gene met his second wife, who he was married to for 34 years, at the gymGene's daughter suggests the pair could have been poisoned in a gas leakGene could have collapsed and diedPrince William called the actor a "true genius" in a touching tribute Yet, it was the quiet moments, the sincere gestures of friendship, that Lanham cherished most. He recalled how Hackman and Betsy once showed up at his restaurant to offer condolences after his beloved dog passed away. “People don’t do that. It shows who they are,” Lanham said. “Betsy was his protector. He shared with me several times, if it wasn’t for Betsy, he’d be broke or dead.” The couple’s devotion to each other was clear to all who knew them. Lanham fondly remembered how Hackman and Betsy got everyone at his wedding to join a conga line, leading it with energy and joy. “Gene was always the one to make sure everyone had a good time,” Lanham said. As the investigation into their deaths continues, Lanham remains certain of one thing - Hackman’s legacy will live on, not only through his iconic films but also through the profound, often playful, but deeply loving person he was. “He was a wonderful artist, but above all, a friend who brought joy to everyone around him,” Lanham said. "We were lucky to know him." The cause of Gene and Betsy Hackman’s deaths is still under investigation, and officials have said it could take months before answers emerge.