Friends pay respects to Dennis Hopper

Actor Dennis Hopper attends the Partouche Charity Poker Tournament at Palm Beach during the 61st Cannes International Film Festival on May 17, 2008 in Cannes, France.Friends of the Hollywood actor Dennis Hopper have today been paying their respects to the late actor.

Hopper passed away yesterday aged 74 following complications which were caused by his prostate cancer.

Numerous celebrity friends have been keen to pay tribute to the star.

Peter Fonda was Hoppers’ co star in ‘Easy Rider’ has said that he was blessed to know him.

He said: “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.”

Dennis’ ‘Hoosiers’ co-star Gene Hackman admits he also felt privileged to work with the late star.

He said: “As an actor, one is always taken by someone who is different. An iconoclast, Dennis was an artist and I will always treasure having worked with him. He will be missed.”

Isabella Rossellini, who starred alongside Dennis in ‘Blue Velvet’, has revealed she was shocked by the late actor’s kindness.

She said: “When I first met Dennis on the set of ‘Blue Velvet’, he had just come out of rehab. I was afraid of him, but Dennis turned out to be infinitely kind, compassionate and understanding. He had gone to hell and came back from it with great wisdom. It will take me a while to realise and accept he isn’t with us any longer.”

Former Guns N’ Roses rocker Slash was also quick to take to his twitter page in honour of the film star – who was also known for appearing in ‘Apocalypse Now’ and ‘Rebel Without a Cause’, as well as directing several movies.

He tweeted: “You take the great ones for granted until they’re gone. RIP Dennis Hopper.”

Actress Christina Applegate also wrote: “Sweet Dennis Hopper. Bless you for your gifts you gave us all these years.”

The actor was surrounded by family and friends for his final moments and dozens of bouquets of flowers are being left at his star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame.