Dennis Hopper was born in 1936 in Dodge City, Kansas. In 1969, he directed, co-wrote and starred in the low-budget road movie Easy Rider, which became a global success. His career was hampered by drink and drugs but, after rehab, he went on to star in many acclaimed movies, including Rumble Fish and Blue Velvet. He is married for the fifth time and has four children.
When were you happiest?
I can't answer a question like that - it's not possible in our world.
What is your greatest fear?
Another one I cannot answer. Keep going.
What is your earliest memory?
I was born in the Dust Bowl, so maybe seeing the sun for the first time.
Which living person do you most admire, and why?
I am not a hero-worshipper.
What is the trait you most deplore in yourself?
I don't know.
What is the trait you most deplore in others?
Lying.
Aside from a property, what's the most expensive thing you've bought?
I don't spend a lot. Most of my art collection I got by trading it or through knowing the artist. I got Andy Warhol's first soup can painting for $75. I lost it to my first wife.
What is your most treasured possession?
My family.
Where would you like to live?
I used to think anywhere but LA, but I live in LA now. I try hard every day to find good things about LA. I'm still working on it.
What is your guiltiest pleasure?
I haven't had any in a long time, but I'm available.
How do you relax?
The best way to relax is to be alone.
What is the worst job you've done?
A lot of the movies I've been in. A lot show only in Fiji, if they're lucky.
What do you owe your parents?
They allowed me to start acting at 13, even though they didn't approve.
What or who is the greatest love of your life?
My work.
Which living person do you most despise, and why?
I don't go there.
Which words or phrases do you most overuse?
I used to talk like a hippy and say, "man" and "I'm hip" and "cool". I've pretty much dropped that now.
What has been your biggest disappointment?
Not getting the part Warren (Beatty) did in Splendor In The Grass when I was about 18.
How often do you have sex?
Not nearly enough: my wife's at home with the children and I am not there.
What is the closest you've come to death?
A lot of times.
What do you consider your greatest achievement?
Easy Rider.
What song would you like played at your funeral?
Taps and some bagpipe music would be good - I have Scottish ancestors.
How would you like to be remembered?
They had a retrospective of mine at the Cinémathèque in Paris, and the fifth floor had 20 monitors going with all my films from 1955. They had part of my art collection and part of my own art. It was incredible.
What is the most important lesson life has taught you?
Keep your head down and dash the last 100 yards.
Where would you most like to be right now?
In London. I am in London, right?