Yesterday, Dennis Hopper and Gary Coleman died. For someone of my age, they are very significant and their loss just plays on our mortality. Dennis Hopper was "Easy Rider" along with so many other great roles. He was the easiest to identify with as he seemed to be like you and me, only bigger and in Hollywoodese, what we dreamt about. Until his last, I always love his roles. They were the psycho part of us, yet they were bigger. Or they were the sane part of us trying to remember what we were.
Gary Coleman was a child to us (my age group). He was the symbol that color was not an issue. That Martin's Dream had come true. His series was silly, but very funny, and encouraging! It was about the time when we saw our neighbors, brothers, friends and children. And we did not notice if they were somehow supposed to be different. We were not! We were all just trying to get through life.
But Gary had a hard life. His height was due to a kidney problem, and after his series, he could not get more work. But instead of dropping into the abyss of other child stars (like his co-star), he basically overcame and showed us that real Americans learn how to adapt, overcome and persevere. He is one of my most admired people, even though the number of actors on that list is extremely small. But Gary was more than an actor, He was a great American.
I will miss them both. Another part of my life has gone. But I will treasure their contributions to my life as both made it a lot richer, especially Gary.
Rest in peace Dennis and Gary. You have earned eternal rest and our thanks.