Dennis Hopper

[Gillman-Fan]

The planet is minus a genius madman . . . making this a much less interesting place in which to live.

Dennis Hopper - Artist, Mentor, Patron

[gracebuster]

My first memories of Dennis Hopper date back to February 1986. It rained that month. It rained alot. We filmed River's Edge mostly down here in Los Angeles. It was quite a time in my life.



So young.







We filmed the school stuff first. Then shot around the area of Tujunga.







Dennis was the first choice for Feck, but, as I recall had some timing issues and was unavailable. Keith Carradine was considered. As was Timothy Carey.

http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0137046/



I actually came in for Carey's audition as I was already cast. He was something else.He went off book very quickly but he was damned interesting.



The rainy weather created some issues with filming and the schedule push opened the door for Dennis Hopper to finally join the cast.





Dennis started a few days in. That was, I'm sure, for the best. Although each of us had worked before, none of us had shared any acting time with a guy like Dennis Hopper.



Perhaps it was by design that Tim Hunter, the director, had scheduled it that way. It gave us kids some time to figure out what we were doing before shooting opposite Dennis.







I seem to remember that the first  stuff he shot was at the door of Feck's house with Crispin and the gun. We moved to nights and worked in mildewed shack on a side street of Tujunga for a few nights straight.









It was like a MASTER CLASS of ACTING. Both Dennis and I had some dramatic scenes and he was there for me 1000 percent. We did laugh often between takes and he suffered through my endless question about APOCOLYPSE NOW and James Dean, but when it came time to shoot being a few feet away from him as he journied through his character was breathtaking.







We filmed the scenes at the River's Edge last.







After filming his coverage for those scenes he confessed that it was thinking about the recent death of Natalie Wood that made him cry so freely.



When he made his return to directing with the film COLORS he asked me to play a small part. How wonderful to work with him as a director, albeit briefly. (the part was cut form the final release).






Over the next 20 years we would bump into each other at the oddest places like the opening of the JURRASIC PARK ride at Universal. It was always a wonderful reunion.



The last time we saw each other was back in 2007 at SUNDANCE. We had all gathered for a 20th Anniversary reunion of River's Edge.







I posted this earlier on Facebook.



Dennis Hopper was, without a doubt, one of the greatest actors I have ever been blessed to work with. He was also a great director, a great person and a great American. Although he was not physically large his talent was gigantic. I am regretful that I never told him how much he taught me in the few rainy weeks we shared together back in 1986. May God Bless Dennis and his family.





Man, will I miss him and his talent.



And I will always remember these times as some of the best of my life!





Please keep the photos posted here private.

[Gillman-Fan]

Fascinating, Dan . . . just amazing.

Thanks so much for sharing.

[Mike Scott]

Always the most interesting guy in any cast (no offence, Dan)! R.I.P. Dennis!

Dennis gets his star, just two months ago.
Raw Video: a Bandaged Dennis Hopper Gets a Star

[Gasport]

Wow, Dan. Just... WOW!

[typhooforme]

That film was my first sighting of Dan Roebuck--and it stuck with me over the years, Danny.  Wonderful memories and wonderful photos.  Thanks for the Dennis Hopper memories--he was remarkably unique in a business that is comprised of a lot of unique people!

[Scatter]

Thanks for sharing that Dan, and while most of us can't share in the more personal aspects of your loss, our love for great films and great actors certainly causes us to share in a common grief for the loss of a monumental talent.

  "Like all artists I want to cheat death a little and contribute something to the next generation."

[Dennis Hopper-1997]

Rest assured...........you did more than you realized. RIP.

[BaronLatos35]

Thanks for sharing your memories Dan...incredible.

[Jim Bertges]

His contributions to film were many and memorable. We were lucky that he shared his talent with us.

[neonnoodle]

Marvelous remembrances, Grace.

.

[michblk]

Thank you Danny for sharing some of your personal insight on Dennis Hopper.  RIP Dennis.

Brian K

[avenger]

Danny,
     Thanks for sharing  your memories of Dennis Hopper with us.
By the by ,as I'm sure everyone here will agree,you were also great in River's Edge.

[Scatter]

Danny,
     Thanks for sharing  your memories of Dennis Hopper with us.
By the by ,as I'm sure everyone here will agree,you were also great in River's Edge.

And all the monsters said.......AAAAAAAMEN.

[Unknown Primate]

I know him from Blue Velvet, and I'm unlikely to forget his awesome performance.

Ahhh, Frank Booth, a fantastic & terrifying portrayal.

BTW, that was really cool, Dan.  Like everyone else has said, thanks for sharing.

R.I.P.  Easy Rider  ...

[charp13]

My Dad and I were talking about Mr. Hopper all day and discussed our favorite films. He really had a magnificent body of work and left us with so many memorable quotes and images. We are truly saddened by his passing.