Dennis Hopper, 1936

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Dennis Hopper, 1936–2010

Photos from life of actor, writer, director Dennis Hopper who dies May 29, 2010, after yearlong battle with prostate cancer.

Dennis Hopper, the high-flying Hollywood wild man whose memorable and erratic career included an early turn in "Rebel Without a Cause," an improbable smash with "Easy Rider" and a classic character role in "Blue Velvet," has died. He was 74.

Dennis Lee Hopper was born in 1936, in Dodge City, Kan., and spent much of his youth on the nearby farm of his grandparents. He saw his first movie at 5. As a young man, he became interested in acting and eventually became a student of the Actors Studio. He made his first television appearance in 1955.

Dennis Hopper directed and starred in 1969's "Easy Rider," 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.

Dennis Hopper was a two-time Academy Award nominee - one for "Easy Rider" and a later one for best supporting actor for his role as Shooter in the 1986 film "Hoosiers."

Dennis Hopper's role as a wild druggie in "Blue Velvet," wound up No. 36 on the AFI's list of top 50 movie villains. Hopper was the acclaimed director of "Colors," "The Hot Spot" and "Chasers." He maintained a frantic work pace, appearing in many forgettable movies and a few memorable ones, including the 1994 hit "Speed," in which he played the maniacal plotter of a freeway disaster. In the 2000s, he was featured in the television series "Crash" and such films as "Elegy" and "Hell Ride."

In March, star Jack Nicholson (left) came out to congratulate Dennis Hopper as he was being honored with a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame.

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Dennis Hopper, the high-flying Hollywood wild man whose memorable and erratic career included an early turn in "Rebel Without a Cause," an improbable smash with "Easy Rider" and a classic character role in "Blue Velvet," has died. He was 74.

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