In his first public appearance after being diagnosed with severe prostate cancer in October, actor Dennis Hopper at Hollywood Boulevard received his star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame Friday.
The actor was looking rather jovial and happy at the function. Looked like that for a while, aging Hopper forgot that he has been battling an advanced state prostate cancer. His fun-filled speech kept the audience, including his family members, fans and friends smiling and laughing.
The 73-year-old actor thanked all who had been behind him throughout his career. “Everyone here today that I have invited — and obviously some that I have not invited — have enriched my life tremendously,” said Hopper while receiving his star. “They’ve shown me a world that I’d never seen, being a farm boy from Dodge City, Kansas.”
Hundreds of friends and fans thronged the Hollywood Boulevard to see their favorite star get his star. Leron Gubler, president and chief executive of the Hollywood Chamber of Commerce talked about Dennis Hopper’s contribution to the movie industry.
Hopper’s close friends such as actor Viggo Mortensen, film producer Mark Canton, actor Jack Nicholson, director David Lynch, singer Johnny Mathis and philanthropist Eli Broad also took part in the function. All of them talked about Dennis Hopper’s work and contribution to movies, and also shared their own experiences with the actor.
Accompanying Hopper were his family members, including his 19-year-old son, Henry and seven-year-old daughter Galen. Henry appeared nervous to a question about his father’s health.
Earlier, Hopper needed assistance to climb to the stage. During his speech, even though struggling a little bit, veteran actor opened his heart in clear words.
“Everything I learned — I got it all from you, so this has been my home and my schooling,” Hopper said. “And I love all of you, and I just want to thank you. That’s all I can do,” he added.
A few months back, Dennis Hopper divorce hit headlines when he expressed his wish to divorce his wife Victoria. They were married for 14 years.
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