Hopper in cancer battle

Veteran actor Dennis Hopper has cancelled all future roles...

11:14 30 October 2009

Veteran actor Dennis Hopper has been diagnosed with prostate cancer.

His manager has confirmed that the 'Easy Rider' screen icon is cancelling all forthcoming appearances to focus on treatment.

Sam Maydew revealed the star is undergoing a "special programme" of treatment in California. He added: "we're hoping for the best."

Earlier in October, the 73-year-old actor/writer/director was admitted to hospital in New York with severe flu-like symptoms and dehydration.

The Oscar nominated actor of 'Blue Velvet' and 'Apocalypse Now' fame had been expected to appear at an art exhibition in Australia, entitled Dennis Hopper And The New Hollywood, which was a collection of his artwork and photography over the years.

Tony Sweeney, a spokesman for the Australian Centre for the Moving Image, stated: "Obviously his health is the number one priority and we wish him a very speedy recovery."

He is currently appearing in a TV adaptation of the 2004 Oscar-winning film 'Crash', although it's unclear how the actor's illness will affect future episodes.