Dennis Hopper, writer/director/actor from iconic films like Easy Rider, True Grit and Apocalypse Now, has passed away at age 74 after a decade-long battle with prostate cancer. Hopper was no stranger to the realm of Sci-Fi/Fantasy television and films, his first forays into the genre were in a season four episode of The Twilight Zone, way back in 1963 and an episode of Time Tunnel in 1966.

Hopper also played the villainous role of The Deacon in Kevin Costner’s Waterworld, John Canyon in Space Truckers, El Niño in 2005’s The Crow: Wicked Prayer and, who can forget his portrayal of the iconic King Koopa in 1993’s Super Mario Bros.

Waterworld

Super Mario Bros.

Space Truckers

The Crow: Wicked Prayer

Early in Hopper’s career, he starred alongside James Dean in Rebel Without a Cause and Giant, and he was a two-time Academy Award nominee for his producing work on Easy Rider as well as his acting work in Hoosiers. Just this past March he was awarded a star on the Hollywood Walk of fame.

On behalf of the writers and Mob of readers here at SciFiMafia, our hearts go out to Dennis Hopper’s family, friends and fans – he will be missed.