Saturday, May 29, 2010

born to be wild



Dennis Hopper died of cancer today at the age of 74.   Hopper had a wild ride of a life on and off the screen.  I remember his early rolls in several James Dean films and John Wayne films.  I remember his later rolls in movies like Apocalypse Now, Blue Velvet, and Hoosiers.  There will not be another talent like Hopper.  On screen his incomparable characters always demanded your attention.  The most memorable roll, his most iconic, was the roll of Billy in Easy Rider (1969).  He not only starred in this movie, but co-wrote and directed the film.

The week (May 26) before his passing, he was honored to receive his very own Hollywood Walk of Fame Star.  Photos show a very frail and emaciated Hopper sitting beside his old riding compradre Jack Nicholson.  It's been a long hard road, but a good ride.
 
Question: "Is it better to burn out or fade away?"

Hopper: "I like the direct cut."


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