Dennis Hopper Dies of Cancer at 74

One of the more distinctive American actors, Dennis Hopper, died today at the age of 74. Hopper, best known on television for his starring role in Starz 'Crash' as well as a memorable series of Nike ads, succumbed to a long battle with prostate cancer. He was at home surrounded by friends and family when he passed away early this morning.

Hopper had a long career in Hollywood since bursting on the scene in the early 1950s, part of the new generation of actors, among them Marlon Brando and James Dean, steeped in "the Method." He struggled to find his niche, but over the years Hopper made a name for himself with great roles in movies like 'Rebel Without A Cause,' 'Easy Rider,' 'Apocalypse Now,' 'Blue Velvet' and even the popcorn hit 'Speed.'

On television, Hopper appeared in a myriad of episodes on shows like 'The Defenders,' 'The Twilight Zone,' 'Bonanza,' 'The Big Valley' and others. He hosted 'Saturday Night Live' in 1990, and later did a turn in 2002 as a nemesis to Jack Bauer, Victor Drazen, on '24.' He also starred in the NBC drama series 'E-Ring' in 2005. Last year, he played the role of Ben Cendars on 'Crash.'

In his personal life, Hopper was married five times, and one of his ex-wives was Michelle Phillips of Mama and Papas fame. Their 1970 marriage lasted just a few days.

Hopper was an accomplished artist, photographer and occasional director. He also was a screenwriter and shared an Oscar nomination -- with Terry Southern and Peter Fonda -- for 'Easy Rider.'

For many TV viewers, however, those Nike commercials remain vivid. Here's Dennis Hopper in one of those ads, from the 1995 Super Bowl: