I don't know what most people think of when they hear Dennis Hopper's name.
Perhaps it depends on how old you are.
I'm sure many people think of 1969's "Easy Rider" when they hear Hopper's name. He not only appeared in the film, he directed it, too. Others remember his role in 1979's "Apocalypse Now." Sports enthusiasts may think of his performance in "Hoosiers" from 1986. Younger moviegoers might remember him as the disabled and rather dull teacher who has an affair with one of his students in 1996's "Carried Away."And moviegoers who are at least 65 may remember that he co–starred with the late James Dean in "Rebel Without a Cause" and "Giant" in the mid–1950s.
Personally, I think of an old Twilight Zone episode, a 60–minute program (in which Hopper played a Hitler wannabe) called "He Lives."
The 73–year–old actor has been around longer than you may think. But along with all the high points in his career have come numerous down periods as well, during which he has been well out of the range of the public's radar.
Today was a high point for Hopper. He got a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame, despite reports that he had one foot in his grave.
Well, not yet.
Hopper was obviously not doing well, but he seemed to be in good spirits. And there is no doubt in my mind that Hopper's career, erratic as it may have seemed at times, deserved to be honored.
I'm glad he lived long enough to see it.
