Easy Rider Star Dennis Hopper Dead at 74

Actor and director Dennis Hopper died Saturday at his home in Venice, CA at the age of 74. The Easy Rider and Hoosiers star was diagnosed with advanced prostate cancer last year.

Dennis Hopper was reportedly surrounded by friends and family when he died Saturday at his home after a long battle with prostate cancer. Hopper was diagnosed with the disease last October. In January, it was reported that Hopper’s cancer had metastasized to his bones.

Last month, in court papers filed in divorce proceedings against wife Victoria Duffy, Hopper’s lawyer stated the actor was terminally ill and could not undergo chemotherapy to treat his cancer.

Peter Fonda, who starred with Hopper in Easy Rider, was struck hard by his death. “We rode the highways of American and changed the way movies were made in Hollywood,” Fonda said. “I was blessed by his passion and friendship.”

“We’re all saddened by Dennis Hopper’s passing. A very cool cat,” Playboy founder Hugh Hefner posted on his Twitter feed.

A nasty battle over Dennis Hopper’s estate is almost certain. Hopper was unable to finalize his divorce from estranged wife Victoria Duffy before his death. Duffy is expected to demand funds set out for her in the former couple’s pre-nuptial agreement, as well as $250,000 in life insurance. Hopper’s lawyers, however, are reportedly planning to fight back against Duffy’s claims.

Dennis Hopper was married five times during his life and is survived by four children and two granddaughters.

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