Dennis Hopper (May 17, 1936 – May 29, 2010) was an American actor, filmmaker, photographer and artist. He was a key figure in the New Hollywood movement of the 1960s and 1970s, appearing in films such as Easy Rider (1969), Apocalypse Now (1979), Blue Velvet (1986), and Hoosiers (1986).
Hopper began his career as a child actor in the 1950s. He made his film debut in Rebel Without a Cause (1955) and appeared in numerous television series throughout the decade. In the 1960s, he became increasingly involved with avant-garde art and experimental film projects. He directed Easy Rider (1969), which earned him an Academy Award nomination for Best Original Screenplay.
In addition to acting and directing, Hopper was also an accomplished photographer. His photographs were featured in several books and exhibitions throughout his career. His work often focused on landscapes and portraits of people from all walks of life. He also documented his travels around the world, capturing images of places such as India, Mexico, Cuba, and Africa.
Hopper's photography has been described as "raw" and "unfiltered," reflecting his own unique vision of the world around him. His work has been exhibited at galleries around the world including The Museum of Modern Art in New York City and The National Portrait Gallery in London.
Hopper died on May 29th 2010 at age 74 after a long battle with prostate cancer. His legacy lives on through his films, photographs, artwork, and activism for social justice causes such as civil rights and environmentalism.