Dennis Hopper was an American actor and director, considered by many an American cultural icon, for his counter cultural ideas. His films reflected his idealism and interest in outlaw-type behavior. Some film critics and American cultural historians believe Hopper's work best captures the zeitgeist of the 1960s.

He was born in Dodge City, Kansas to Marjorie Mae and Jay Millard Hopper. The couple had two other sons as well. When Dennis was about ten years old, the family moved to Kansas. He attended school, but also enrolled in art classes on the weekend. The family moved again when Dennis was thirteen, this time to San Diego. In high school he began to show an interest in acting, playing roles in school plays.He developed an early and lifelong love of Shakespeare. He was voted "most likely to succeed" by his high school senior class.

He also undertook courses at the Old Globe Theatre, and after graduation he was accepted to the Actors' Studio in New York City. He studied there for five years, under the direction of Lee Strasberg. His efforts paid off when Hollywood called, offering him a debut role in what would become a classic, Rebel Without A Cause. He appeared next in Giant, once again working with James Dean. When Dean tragically died the following year in a car accident, Dennis was hit hard by the loss of his friend. Some film scholars believe it was at this time that Dennis began using alcohol and drugs as coping mechanisms. His use accelerated as the years went by, though he continued to be in demand as an actor.

He starred alongside John Wayne, and the two became friends. Dennis's classic Easy Rider went into production in 1969, along with his partners, Peter Fonda, Terry Southern, and Jack Nicholson. The film and the director won great acclaim, but the set was often troubled, and it was usually due to Dennis' increasing erratic behavior. By the 1970s he became known as a "tormented maniac," and few film companies considered him a good risk for their projects. Dennis retreated to Europe, where he continued his film career, though he did continue to make a few American movies. However, his American career was not truly revived until 1986, when he starred in Blue Velvet. The film and the actors received numerous accolades. In addition to his acting and directing roles, Dennis was also a well-regarded photographer, painter, and sculptor. His personal life was as chaotic as his professional life.

He was married five times, and has children ranging from age forty-eight to age seven. In the fall of 2009, Dennis Hopper's manager announced to media representatives that his client had been diagnosed with advanced prostate cancer. By January it was known that the cancer had metastasized to his bones. During this time he was also undergoing the personal drama of divorce from his fifth wife. His last bit of good news arrived in March 2010, when he was informed that his name would appear on a star in Hollywood's Walk of Fame. His star was prominently placed in front of the Egyptian Theatre on Hollywood Boulevard. Dennis attended the the ceremony, surrounded by friends, family, and fans. He died a little over two months later on 29 May 2010.