3/26/10
Hollywood, Ca.
The iconic "Easy Rider" himself was able to make the trip to Hollywood and Las Palmas in front of the Egyptian Theater to receive what everyone present knew had been a very long time coming.
It was a gorgeous day in Los Angeles and the crowd was gathering rapidly at 11:00 am for the scheduled 11:30am presentation.
Hopper arrived to rousing applause and acalades, shaking hands, and hugging close friends.
Tributes from actor Viggo Mortensen and film producer Mark Canton preceded Hopper's time at the podium. Canton called Hopper the coolest guy on the planet.
Also in the crowd were "Easy Rider" co-star Jack Nicholson with a shirt commemorating the film, "Blue Velvet" director David Lynch, actors Danny Trejo, Seymour Cassel, Michael Madsen, singer Johnny Mathis, and philanthropist Eli Broad. (see video)
Hopper opened by thanking the paparazzi for distracting him while crossing the street, causing him to trip and fall the day prior, thus the bandages on his hand and forehead.
In a short but moving acceptance speech Hopper went on to say "everyone here today that I've invited -- and obviously some that I haven't invited -- have enriched my life tremendously...they've shown me a world that I'd never seen, being a farm boy from Dodge City, Kansas."
Many of Hopper's family were in attendance including his daughter Galen who had her arms draped over her Dad most of the ceremony.
Hopper truly seemed to be maintaining his spirit, wit and humor. Despite being visibly weakened from battling prostate cancer and it's treatment, it was a positive and uplifting event. Throughout the event he smiled and often waved to the crowd, and obviously enjoyed his time with family, friends, and fans. Including this one.
Video and text © Peter Switzer
www.peterswitzerphotography.com