Dennis Hopper Biography: Death, Wife, Children, Net Worth, Movies & TV Shows, Height

Dennis Lee Hopper, known professionally as Dennis Hopper, was an American actor, filmmaker, and artist whose career left an indelible mark on Hollywood.

He gained iconic status for his role as Billy in Easy Rider (1969), which he also co-wrote and directed, earning critical acclaim and a lasting influence on independent cinema.

Renowned for his intense, rebellious persona, Hopper appeared in over 100 films, including Rebel Without a Cause (1955), Apocalypse Now (1979), and Blue Velvet (1986), cementing his legacy as a versatile and provocative talent.

Profile

• Full Name: Dennis Lee Hopper
• Stage Name: Dennis Hopper
• Born: 17, May 1936
• Date of Death: May 29, 2010 (Aged: 74 years old)
• Birthplace: Dodge City, Kansas, U.S.
• Nationality: American
• Occupation: Actor, Filmmaker, Photographer, Artist
• Height: 1.73m
• Parents: Marjorie Mae Hopper, James Millard Hopper
• Siblings: David Hopper, Marvin Hopper
• Spouse: Brooke Hayward (m. 1961-1969), Michelle Phillips (m. 1970-1970), Daria Halprin (m. 1972-1976), Katherine LaNasa (m. 1989-1992), Victoria Duffy (m. 1996-2010)
• Children: Marin Hopper, Ruthanna Hopper, Henry Hopper, Galen Hopper
• Relationship: Married
• Net Worth: $40 million

Early Life and Education

Dennis Lee Hopper was born on May 17, 1936, in Dodge City, Kansas, to Marjorie Mae Hopper and James Millard Hopper, a post office worker.

He grew up with his brothers, David and Marvin, in Kansas before the family moved to San Diego, California. Hopper attended Helix High School in La Mesa, where he developed an interest in acting, and later studied at the Old Globe Theatre in San Diego.

He briefly trained at the Actors Studio in New York. His ethnicity was of English and Scottish descent, and his religious beliefs were not publicly disclosed.

Career

Dennis Hopper began his career as a teenager, landing a small role in Rebel Without a Cause (1955) alongside James Dean, whose influence profoundly shaped Hopper’s approach to acting.

His early film work included Giant (1956), but his reputation for being difficult on set led to a temporary exile from major studio projects. In the 1960s, he transitioned to television, appearing in shows like The Twilight Zone and Bonanza, while also pursuing photography and art.

His directorial debut, Easy Rider (1969), co-starring Peter Fonda, became a cultural phenomenon, earning him a Cannes Film Festival award and an Academy Award nomination for Best Original Screenplay.

Hopper’s career saw a resurgence in the 1970s and 1980s with standout performances in Apocalypse Now (1979) as a manic photojournalist and Blue Velvet (1986) as the terrifying Frank Booth, earning critical praise for his raw intensity.

He directed films like The Last Movie (1971) and Out of the Blue (1980), though they were less commercially successful. His role in Hoosiers (1986) earned an Academy Award nomination for Best Supporting Actor.

Hopper also explored television, with roles in Crash (2008–2009), and continued directing, notably with Colors (1988), a gritty exploration of gang culture.

Hopper’s later years showcased his enduring versatility with roles in Speed (1994), Waterworld (1995), and Land of the Dead (2005).

His contributions extended beyond acting, with exhibitions of his photography and paintings, reflecting his multifaceted artistry. His final role was in the animated series Alpha and Omega (2010).

Hopper’s influence endures through his groundbreaking work in Easy Rider, his fearless performances, and his legacy as a countercultural figure who bridged Hollywood and independent cinema.

Social Media

Dennis Hopper does not have a social media account

Personal Life

Dennis Hopper was married five times. His first marriage was to Brooke Hayward from 1961 to 1969, and they had a daughter named Marin.

He briefly married Michelle Phillips in 1970, a union that lasted only eight days. His third marriage was to Daria Halprin from 1972 to 1976, with whom he had a daughter, Ruthanna.

He later married Katherine LaNasa from 1989 to 1992, and they had a son named Henry. His final marriage was to Victoria Duffy from 1996 to 2010, and they had a daughter named Galen.

Filmography

• Rebel Without a Cause (1955)
• Giant (1956)
• Cool Hand Luke (1967)
• Easy Rider (1969)
• The Last Movie (1971)
• Apocalypse Now (1979)
• Out of the Blue (1980)
• Blue Velvet (1986)
• Hoosiers (1986)
• Colors (1988)
• Speed (1994)
• Waterworld (1995)
• Land of the Dead (2005)
• Crash (2008–2009)
• Alpha and Omega (2010)

Net Worth

Dennis Hopper had an estimated net worth of $40 million at the time of his death. His wealth stemmed from his extensive acting career, lucrative roles in films like Speed and Waterworld, and his work as a director and writer.

Additional income came from his photography and art, including sales of his own works and his valuable art collection, which contributed significantly to his financial success.