an obituary in memory of Dennis Hopper: photographer, actor and cult influencer passes away aged 74
Author: Distil Ennui | Post Date: 29-05-2010
HOLLYWOOD legend Dennis Hopper has died aged 74. The hard-living screen icon, who directed and starred in 1969 cult classic Easy Rider, had been battling prostate cancer. He died from complications of the disease at home in Venice, California, surrounded by family and friends this afternoon. In March, the former hell-raiser attended an emotional ceremony at which he received his own star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. Following a spectacular start to his career, Hopper developed a reputation as a hell-raiser with a penchant for drink and drugs in a truly decadent Hollywood style. I was fortunate enough to meet him with a client after a shoot late one night by chance in the hotel bar where we were staying. Over a what seemed like an unending line of drinks, he and a few very hybrid friends were the most entertaining thing I had ever come across to that point in my life. Fond memories through a thick haze of Cuban smoke for which I am grateful. Hopper, who starred in a host of classic movies including Apocalypse Now, Blue Velvet, Rebel Without a Cause and True Romance, looked gaunt and frail. He told pals including Jack Nicholson and director David Lynch: "Everything I learned in life I learned from you. "This means so much to me. Thank you very much everyone, and Hollywood." The star, who was married five times, had been fighting a bitter divorce case against Victoria Duffy-Hopper, 42, his wife of 14 years which was all getting rather nasty over custody issues and the likes.
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