Dennis Lee Hopper, 73, is an actor, filmmaker and artist who, since high school, became interested in acting and eventually became a student of the Actors Studio. Hopper received his star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame.
(AP Photo/Damian Dovarganes)
Hopper studied at the Old Globe Theater in San Diego, California and the Actors Studio in New York City where he studied with Lee Strasberg for five years. Hopper struck up a friendship with actor Vincent Price, whose passion for art influenced Hopper's interest in art. He was especially fond of the plays of William Shakespeare.
His first television appearance was in 1955, and he appeared in two films featuring James Dean, Rebel Without a Cause (1955) and Giant (1956) with Elizabeth Taylor and Rock Hudson.
Over the next ten years Hopper appeared often on television in guest roles, and by the end of the 1960s had played supporting roles in several films. He directed and starred in Easy Rider (1969), with Peter Fonda (tie to Jane), winning an award at the Cannes Film Festival and was nominated for an Academy Award for Best Original Screenplay as co-writer of the film's script.
Other films Hopper was a part of were Apocalypse Now (1979), Rumble Fish (1983), The Osterman Weekend (1983), Blue Velvet and Hoosiers. He directed Colors (1988), and portrayed King Koopa in the film version of Super Mario Bros. (1993) and the villain in Speed (1994). Let us not forget Hopper in television's Crash.
Dennis Hopper is also a prolific photographer, painter, and sculptor whose works are exhibited worldwide. His photography is known for portraits from the 1960s. His painting style ranges from abstract impressionism to photorealism and often includes references to his cinematic work and to other artists.
On October 29, 2009, Hopper's manager reported that Hopper had been diagnosed with advanced prostate cancer. In January 2010, it was reported that Hopper's cancer had metastasized to his bones.
As of March 23, 2010, Hopper reportedly weighed only 100 pounds and unable to undergo chemotherapy to treat the cancer.
On March 18, 2010 it was announced that Hopper would be honored with the 2,403rd star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame, in front of the iconic Grauman's Theater on Hollywood Boulevard. Eight days later, March 26th, Dennis Hopper received his star. Many stood at his side as he was honored, among his family was friend Jack Nicholson. Congratulations Mr. Hopper!
Comments