Is Dennis Hopper's Wife Killing Him? Judge Grants "Stay Away" Order, Doctor Cites Risks
That's essentially what the doctor for the cancer-stricken actor said, in court filings Thursday surrounding the couple's contentious divorce. Victoria Hopper has now agreed to stay 10 feet away from Hopper and not to contact him directly, after the "Easy Rider" actor sought an emergency restraining order against her.
Photo: Actor Dennis Hopper, right, and his wife, Victoria in 2008.
"It is my belief and recommendation that the less Mr. Hopper has to do with his estranged wife at this time, the more likely he is to have his life extended," said Dr. David Argus, who is treating the actor for prostate cancer.
Hopper's petition claimed his wife has engaged in "outrageous conduct" in the past year, and was accompanied by a doctor's declaration that his treatment required him to eliminate unnecessary stress.
Photo: Actor Dennis Hopper.
A judge approved the "stay away" agreement after a hearing Thursday morning. Hopper, who was recently released from a 10-day hospital stay, was also granted daily visits with the couple's 6-year-old daughter.
Victoria Hopper has been living in a unit of the actor's compound in the Venice neighborhood of Los Angeles. The couple's prenuptial agreement calls for her to leave the property within two months of Hopper's Jan. 14 divorce filing.
Hopper's attorney, Douglas Bagby, wrote in a court filing that the actions of Hopper's wife subjected him to "emotional distress which has threatened his ability to survive."
Hopper told the court he remains hopeful about his prognosis as he undergoes chemotherapy treatments: "My doctors and I are hopeful that this treatment will be successful so that I may soon resume the full enjoyment of my life and work."