The Edit King

I'm not usually into this sort of Hollywood 'Stories' garbage, but this was the first I heard that Dennis has advanced Prostate Cancer, that it's traveled to his bones, has like a month to live, and with all that going on...getting a Divorce of all things!
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On October 29, 2009, Hopper's manager reported that Hopper has been diagnosed with advanced prostate cancer. In January 2010, it was reported that Hopper's cancer had spread to his bones and he is believed to have only a month to live. On January 14, 2010, he filed for divorce from his fifth wife Victoria Duffy.

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The Drama Behind Dennis Hopper's Divorce

By Mike Ryan Posted Jan 22nd 2010 03:55PM

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There was always something comforting about having a healthy and vibrant Dennis Hopper in the world. Our thoughts are with the 'Easy Rider' and 'Apocalypse Now' star as he struggles with prostate cancer but, yes, there was always that voice inside our head the morning after a late night out saying, "Yes, your head hurts right now, but if Dennis Hopper is still alive and healthy, really, what damage could you have possibly done to yourself in comparison?" And then we would feel peace with the world. We were shocked to learn that the health of Hopper -- whose hard living lifestyle was only overshadowed by his contribution to cinema; featured in more than 150 films and documentaries -- has deteriorated enough that some outlets are reporting him to be on his "death bed." Even more shocking, though, is the fact that he filed for a divorce from his wife of 14 years, Victoria Duffy-Hopper, while on said "death bed."

What's at stake that would cause this swift and seemingly random chain of events? This is Hollywood people -- it's money. Let's look at the cast of characters involved in this sad and tragic drama that's unfolding in front of our eyes.



Dennis Hopper:

Unfortunately, as reported, he is terminally ill with prostate cancer. His filling for divorce citing "irreconcilable differences" isn't, again unfortunately, going to be a long time concern. Hopper does have a daughter with Duffy, six-year-old Galen. It's not likely this move is in anyway to protect her, considering access to his estate will only be made more difficult if a divorce between Hopper and Duffy is made final. Also, have you ever been in the difficult situation of being around someone who is terminally ill this far along? This is the part where we remind you that we are not a doctor, but, we will spare you because, well, that's obvious. But, did they seem like someone who had the cognitive ability to make a rational decision as important enough as, "You know, I would like a divorce." Now, Hopper is definitely a unique man, but usually a time like this brings forgiveness and people become closer, not the opposite. This doesn't really add up. Without question, the reason behind this move is money. That's obvious. But who looks to gain what?



Victoria Duffy-Hopper:

Dennis Hopper's current wife. The Huffington Post is reporting that Duffy will get 25 percent of Hopper's estate as long as the divorce doesn't go through. If it does, she and their daughter get nothing. Now, keep in mind: Duffy is Hopper's fifth wife, but she has been with Hopper for 14 years. This isn't someone who latched on to him right when it was announced he was ill. The New York Post reports a family friend recalling Hopper complaining that Victoria just wanted "more and more luxury." Look, it would be extremely difficult to paint her as a gold digger; 14 years is a really long time and 25 percent of an estate seems, if anything, unfair to her considering the length of their marriage. So, we don't think that's plausible and even if it was, she's more than earned it! So, this leaves us with...



Marin Hopper:

Dennis Hopper's oldest daughter -- seven years older than Duffy. A daughter that, as again The Huffington Post reports, was living for free at Dennis Hopper's estate and made a living setting up personal appearances for him. She recently became executor of his will. It's not clear what, exactly, Marin will gain financially by shutting out Duffy. Though, by multiple accounts, Marin Hopper and Duffy were far from close. Is she pulling the strings for the reportedly highly medicated actor? Who's to say for sure? Does she have the most to gain from doing this? "It's so horrible, Dennis is at home, Victoria and Galen are living there as well, and Marin is pulling her father out of his bed and driving him to the divorce lawyers. The poor guy has no idea what is going on ... Even his lawyers are telling people he is on painkillers and is essentially sleeping all the time," a Huffington Post source says. Again, it seems unlikely Dennis Hopper is in any condition to start, or even request, a legal proceding.

"Marin has always hated Victoria ... If she can get her father to reject Victoria on his deathbed, and get more money in the process, she'll be the happiest woman in Los Angeles," according to the HuffPo source.

It's always a sad affair when a public figure can't at least have some peace in his final days. Unfortunately, when we think of Dennis Hopper, this story will always be the exclamation point on his long and illustrious life and career. It appears, maybe, to some, if true, tarnishing a man's legacy is worth the price of a fortune. There was something odd about this story from the moment it broke and, from the reports that are materializing, things are starting to make a little bit more sense. Though, digging deeper into this sordid affair, it doesn't make it any less rotten.
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I've always had a certain fondness for Dennis, and to hear about his life ending on such a blasted bitter note at the hands of slobs, just pisses me off.

There's nothing quite like feeling helpless.

-Paul

monkeyboy

Yeah, it sucks. I hadn't heard that his wife got nothing if the divorce went through. I had heard that if she is his wife when he dies, she can contest the will, which leaves her 25%. If they aren't divorced, she could try to get 100% of the estate and that's what he doesn't want. Seems like 25% of his estate, plus property and everything should be plenty.

http://www.dailymail.co.uk/tvshowbiz...er-estate.html

It's really sad that his last memories of his family will be of bickering and fighting over money. I wonder what Hopper is even worth? He's had some great roles, but I'm not sure they were high paying roles.

mndtrp

I really enjoy seeing him in movies, so I'm not really thrilled with how his life is playing out.

Artman

I tend to think how you finish life is the most important, sadly not everyone finishes well. I guess a question I would ask Mr. Hopper is, "was your art worth the cost?"

The Edit King

From the folks I've known who have passed away in my life (and there have been quite a few over the years), many, if not all of their lives at the end didn't turn out the way they had wished or thought it would have.

My Mom for instance sadly wasn't very happy at the end.

I can't say with any certainty that my own life won't end up that way.

RagingBull80

What do you mean by this?

movie diva

This is a sad story, I have always liked Dennis Hopper, I wish him peace in his last days, and if what they say is true about the older daughter she should burn in hell.

Heat

What cost? Acting didn't give him prostate cancer.

By the way, this is the first I heard of Hopper being on his death bed, I wonder if the cancer has made him go paranoid?

Artman

Yes you can. It's not about the variables that life may throw you, but how you respond, the choices you make.

To answer the others, just having read a bit about him, it's fair to say he lead a pretty wild life... and an article I read made it seem it was all in the name of his work. Well, our work/career is great, but that's not the most important thing we should leave behind.

devilshalo

http://forum.dvdtalk.com/movie-talk/...-hospital.html

Josh-da-man

Burn in hell, indeed.

Horrible, revolting people.

cungar

Still making no sense

marty888

I simply cannot understand how someone can suddenly be diagnosed with "<i>advanced</i> prostate cancer" when there is a simple test that can catch this disease in its earliest - and treatable - stages. Every male should have regular PSA tests (a blood sample does it)!

foxdvd

I am laughing wondering the same thing...

WallyOPD

It's not nearly as simple as that. There's not a single major health organization that recommends routine testing for prostate cancer. The test is not 100% accurate and it does not distinguish between cancers that need to be treated and cancers that could be safely left untreated. That can result in patients undergoing costly and uncomfortable treatments for no reason.

The Edit King

I hear what you're saying, Lemmy.

Dennis Hopper isn't on the top of any of my lists, however, I've also enjoyed films he's appeared in (from WAY back, in the B&W days, before I even knew he was an actor), but I suppose for one reason or another, and I'm not exactly sure why, I've always felt sorry for him. Then, when I stumbled on the story just last night, and hearing all of a sudden (as it were, to 'me' anyway) that he was so sick and actually dying (not to mention, being taken advantage of in his ultimate weakness, at the end of his life), just hit me kinda hard.

-Paulino

The Edit King

Thanks. I Am feeling a bit better now.

...well I WAS!!!

(The below post content has been spoilerized in an attempt to respect the seriousness of the Dennis Hopper situation for his fans out there.)

-Pablito Tres

the_dude8

No wonder I haven't seem DH doing the direct tv NFL commercials anymore.

Sanitarium

I'm gonna be sad to see him go. Hopper has always been one of my favorite actors.

Laser Movies

Looks like his wife is telling her side of the story now of what is going on. It appears it is going to get very messy at a time you would think he would be trying to go out with some dignity.

http://www.tmz.com/2010/01/25/dennis...child-support/

ernestrp

R.I.P., Mr. Hopper.

Rypro 525

He's not dead yet right? Wouldn't yahoo or tmz mention it if he had passed by now?

ResIpsa

Well, assuming his divorce petition was filed in California, he has to wait six months before it can become final (statutory waiting period) so he may not survive to (divorce) judgment day. His wife would still have community property rights, as well as rights of election under the California probate code (subject to whatever prenuptial agreement they may have executed). Maybe Hopper just wants to send his wife a message by filing at the last hour.

suziq999

I feel sorry for his youngest daughter. Only 6??? Man, his prostate may not work but his sperm sure do!

islandclaws

It's a sad cinematic world when Dennis Hopper is no longer in it. Sucks hearing all of this.