Hopper, Dennis (1936– )

US film actor and director. He caused a sensation with the anti-establishment Easy Rider (1969), which he acted in and directed. As an actor he is primarily known for his screen villains, in films such as Blue Velvet (1986) and Speed (1994). His acting credits include Rebel Without a Cause (1955), Der Amerikanische Freund/The American Friend (1977), Apocalypse Now (1979), Knockaround Guys (2001), Leo (2002), The Night We Called it a Day, and The Keeper (both 2003).

The Last Movie (1971), which Hopper directed, was poorly received by the critics, but he made a comeback in the 1980s, directing Colors (1988), Catchfire (1989), The Hot Spot (1990), and Chasers (1994).