Stage and Screen Star Dennis Hopper Dies at 74

Stage and screen star Dennis Hopper has, sadly passed away at the age of 74 today from complications related to prostate cancer.  The actor passed away at his home in Venice, California, surrounded by family and friends.

Hopper, who has been ill for several months had put his career obligations on hold while fighting the cancer.

A student of The Actors Studio in New York and The Old Globe in San Diego, Hopper has appeared on Broadway in 1961's Mandingo. In film, began his career appearing alongside James Dean in Rebel Without a Cause (1955) and Giant (1956). Over the next ten years, Hopper appeared frequently 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), 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.  His star rose higher with the release of Apocalypse Now (1979).  Thereafter, starred in Rumble Fish (1983) and The Osterman Weekend (1983), and received critical recognition for his work in Blue Velvet and Hoosiers, with the latter film garnering him an Academy Award nomination for Best Supporting Actor. He directed Colors (1988) and portrayed King Koopa in the film version of Super Mario Brothers  In 1994 appeared alongside Sandra Bullock and Keanu Reeves in Speed. Hopper's more recent work includes a leading role in the television series Crash, for which he has filmed a second season.

Photo Credit: Walter McBride/Retna Ltd.