Dennis Hopper  1936 - 2010

While there aren't many parallels between the lives of Dennis Hopper and Gary Coleman, both were actors whose careers were often overshadowed by personal problems.

Dennis Hopper, who died just a few days after turning 74, had an acting/directing career which spanned several decades. It would be difficult to really give a proper tribute in the space allowed to his hugely successful movie career, however some highlights include, Giant, Rebel Without a Cause (which made James Dean a movie star), the classic Easy Rider, Apocalypse Now, and possibly his best performance (and most disturbing) was as the deranged Frank Booth in David Lynch's Blue Velvet. There not disputing Dennis Hopper's legendary status as a Hollywood icon.

Hopper is best described as erratic, eclectic, difficult, but also a  super talent who tended to excel at anything he set his attentions upon, including photography and art, as well as directing and of course acting. Unfortunately, like many tortured creative types, he used drugs and alcohol as a release and this at times put his career and life in jeopardy.

At the end of his life, Hopper suffered from prostate cancer and was embroiled in a bitter divorce with his fifth wife, Victoria Duffy and the details of which spilled over into the tabloids. Despite his lengthy and often critically acclaimed career, Hopper was only nominated for an Oscar twice, (Hoosiers and Easy Rider) but never won.  No doubt he will be awarded an Oscar posthumously.  Hopper died Sunday morning at his home Venice, Ca. RIP.

Gary Coleman  1968 - 2010

Gary Coleman, launched the famous phrase "Whatchyou talkin' bout Willis?" during his stint on the popular sitcom Diff'rent Strokes, which featured a widowed wealthy white dad, his daughter and two adopted black brothers played by Coleman and Todd Bridges.