3/26/10<br />Hollywood, Ca.<br /><br />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.<br /><br />It was a gorgeous day in Los Angeles and the crowd was gathering rapidly at 11:00 am for the scheduled 11:30am presentation.<br /><br />Hopper arrived to rousing applause and acalades, shaking hands, and hugging close friends.<br /><br />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.<br /><br />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)<br /><br />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.<br /><br />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."<br /><br />Many of Hopper's family were in attendance including his daughter Galen who had her arms draped over her Dad most of the ceremony.<br /><br />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.<br /><br />Video and text © Peter Switzer<br /><br />www.peterswitzerphotography.com
