Easy Rider Actor Dennis Hopper Dead at 74

Easy Rider actor Dennis Hopper has died from complications of prostate cancer at his home in Los Angeles. He was 74. Hopper was diagnosed with prostate cancer in 2009.

Hopper starred alongside James Dean in the '50s classics Rebel Without a Cause and Giant. But it was his role as Billy in Easy Rider - released in 1969 - that made him a legend. Not only did Dennis Hopper star in Easy Rider, he co-wrote and directed the movie.

Hopper struggled for years with alcohol and drug addiction but had been clean and sober since the '80s.

In March of this year, Hopper received a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame with Easy Rider co-star and friend Jack Nicholson by his side. According to CNN, the frail looking Hopper said to the crowd, "I just want to thank you. That's all I can do."

In addition to Easy Rider, Rebel Without a Cause, and Giant, Dennis Hopper appeared in Apocalypse Now, Speed, True Grit, and Blue Velvet.

According to MTV News, Hopper said in a 1986 interview with Time magazine, "I thought I'd be dead before I was 30. Turning 40 stunned me. Fifty is a major miracle, and I think I may even make 70." And he did.

What is Prostate Cancer?

According to Google Health, prostate cancer begins in the prostate gland, a small structure the size of a walnut. The cancer wraps itself around the urethra.

What is the Treatment of Prostate Cancer?

Treatment of prostate cancer is based on the stage of the tumor. In early stages, options such as surgery, radiation, or in the case of older patients, monitoring the cancer without active treatment.

Drugs to reduce testosterone levels, surgical removal of the testes, or chemotherapy may be recommended if the cancer has spread.

Statistics from the CDC on Prostate Cancer:

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention states that in 2006, 203, 415 men developed prostate cancer and 28,372 died from the disease. Prostate cancer is the most common cancer among men without regard to race.

Being screened or tested for prostate cancer is simple and could save your life:

Usually, your physician will perform a digital exam to determine whether the prostate is enlarged with a hard, irregular surface. Other tests may include a PSA, Urinalysis, Urine or prostatic fluid testing. However, a biopsy of the prostate is the only test available to confirm a diagnosis of prostate cancer.

Can Prostate Cancer be prevented?

There are no current preventative measures to take. However, it has been suggested that a low-fat or vegetarian diet - similar to the traditional Japanese diet - may lower the risk of prostate cancer.

Dennis Hopper leaves behind four children -three of whom are grown - and two grandchildren.

Sources:
Dennis Hopper attends Hollywood Walk of Fame ceremony - CNN.com
Dennis Hopper Dead at 74 - Movie News Story
Google Health - Prostate Cancer
CDC - Prostate Cancer Statistics