Dennis Hopper, Gary Coleman and Dame Pat Evison passed away over the weekend.
Dennis Hopper died at age 74 from complications caused by prostate cancer. The Hollywood legend began his career in the 1950s opposite James Dean in ‘Rebel Without a Cause’. He truly made his mark on Hollywood in the 1969 cult classic ‘Easy Rider’, which he directed, co-wrote and co-starred in. Later in his career, Dennis specialised in playing the psychotic villain in a range of blockbusters including ‘Speed’.
The recipient of a star on Hollywood’s Walk of Fame, his career spanned more than five decades, 100 films, two oscar nominations and his own star on Hollywood’s Walk of Fame.
of Dennis’ passing, his ‘Easy Rider’ co-star Peter Fonda says “Dennis introduced me to the world of Pop Art and ‘lost’ films. We rode the highways of America and changed the way movies were made in Hollywood. I was blessed by his passion and friendship.”
Meanwhile former ‘Diff’rent Strokes’ actor Gary Coleman died over the weekend after a fall at his home in Utah. The fall resulted in a brain hemorrhage and the actor’s life support was turned off after he slipped into unconsciousness.
Since his passing, many celebrities have chimed in on his untimely death at age 42, including former ‘American Idol’ judge Paula Abdul. She wrote on Twitter, “I am so sorry to hear the sad news about Gary Coleman. My heartfelt condolences go out to his entire family.”
Closer to home, Dame Pat Evison died at age 85. The actress was best known for her roles in TV shows ‘Close to Home’, ‘Prisoner’ and ‘The Flying Doctors’ and she also acted in early Downstage theatre shows in Wellington. Dame Pat has been described as ‘a pioneer in New Zealand theatre’ by Arts, Culture and Heritage oinister Chris Finlayson.
Dame Pat was awarded an oBE in 1980 for her services to the theatre and leaves behind her husband Roger, two sons, a daughter and numerous grandchildren.
Related stories
Native ad body.
Native ad body.
Native ad body.
