Net Worth Ranker
What Is Dennis Hopper’s Net Worth?
At the time of his death on May 29, 2010, Dennis Hopper, the celebrated American actor, filmmaker, and artist, had a net worth of $40 million. This figure reflects his diverse and successful career spanning film, television, and visual arts. Hopper’s financial standing was a testament to his enduring presence in Hollywood and his entrepreneurial ventures.
Dennis Hopper’s Early Life and Career Beginnings
Dennis Lee Hopper was born on May 17, 1936, in Dodge City, Kansas. In his early years, Hopper’s artistic inclinations were evident. After World War II, his family relocated to Kansas City, Missouri, where he started taking art classes at the Kansas City Art Institute. At 13, his family moved again, this time to San Diego, California. Hopper attended Helix High School in La Mesa, actively participating in speech, choir, and drama club. Driven by his passion for acting, Hopper enrolled at the Old Globe Theatre and later studied at the Actors Studio in New York City. His formal training provided the groundwork for what would become a prolific career.
Key Film Career Milestones and Earnings
Hopper’s film debut came in 1955 with a minor role in “Rebel Without a Cause,” followed by another appearance in “Giant” (1956). These early roles laid the foundation for more substantial parts in films such as “Gunfight at the O.K. Corral” (1957) and “The Sons of Katie Elder” (1965). However, his breakthrough arrived with “Easy Rider” in 1969, which he directed, co-wrote, and starred in. The film, made on a budget of less than $500,000, grossed $60 million, showcasing Hopper’s ability to generate substantial returns. His directing salary for ‘Easy Rider’ was reported to be $150,000 along with percentage of gross profits after the studio recoupment. Followed up with the metafictional neo-Western “The Last Movie,” which he also directed and starred in. Subsequently starring in such films as “Kid Blue,” “Mad Dog Morgan,” “Tracks,” “The American Friend,” and “Flesh Color.” In 1979, Hopper had notable roles in the Spanish thriller “The Sky is Falling” and Francis Ford Coppola’s psychological war film “Apocalypse Now.” Hopper’s earning from ‘Apocalypse Now’ was $750,000. The 1980s marked a period of diverse roles, including appearances in “Rumble Fish” (1983) and “Blue Velvet” (1986), for which he received critical acclaim. In 1986 Hopper starred in “Hoosiers”, and received an Academy Award nomination for Best Supporting Actor.
Significant Film and Television Roles
Hopper’s career in the 1990s was marked by roles in high-profile films. In 1994, his role in “Speed” further solidified his reputation and boosted his earnings. In “Waterworld,” Hopper reportedly earned $3 million for his role. In 2002, Hopper played Victor Drazen on the action series “24.” From 2005 to 2006, Hopper played the main role of Colonel Eli McNulty on the military drama series “E-Ring.” From 2008 to 2009, playing the main character Ben Cendars on the television adaptation of Paul Haggis’ film “Crash.” These roles demonstrate his ongoing relevance and consistent earning potential in the industry. His estimated earning per episode from ‘Crash’ was $150,000.
Dennis Hopper’s Artistic Ventures and Real Estate
Beyond his film and television work, Dennis Hopper was an accomplished artist, deeply involved in photography and painting. He created cover art for Ike & Tina Turner’s 1966 album “River Deep – Mountain High,” and shot portraits for magazines. Hopper was also an avid collector of art. His diverse artistic pursuits added to his overall financial profile. In 1985, Hopper acquired the first parcel of land in Venice, California, for $21,000, which eventually expanded into a five-parcel estate. Over three transactions beginning in 1997 and ending in 2008 he bought three additional surrounding properties. Following his death, the estate was listed for $6.2 million and ultimately sold for $5 million in August 2012. This real estate investment contributed to his net worth.
Personal Life, Marriages and Family
Hopper was married five times. His first marriage, to Brooke Hayward, lasted from 1961 to 1969. In 1970, Hopper was married to Michelle Phillips for eight days. He wed his third wife, Daria Halprin, in 1972. Later, in 1989, Hopper married Katherine LaNasa. He wed his fifth and final wife, Victoria Duffy, in 1996. In 2009, Hopper was diagnosed with advanced prostate cancer. On May 29, 2010, he passed away in his Los Angeles home at the age of 74.
