▌CELEBRATION OF LIFE ▌ Dennis Hopper (May 17, 1936 - May 29, 2010)

Dennis Hopper, the star behind 'Easy Rider', and a reputed Hollywood hell-raiser, died Saturday, May 29th after a long battle with prostate cancer. Hopper was 74. Dennis Hopper dead at 74 - NYPOST.com

▌CELEBRATION OF LIFE ▌ Gary Coleman (February 8, 1968 - May 28, 2010)

 Daresay, one of the most bitten celebrities in parody and sketch comedy, Gary Coleman was a breakout child star and testimony to a life lived against the odds. Coleman's 4'8 stature was the result of a kidney condition that left him resembling his childhood characters well beyond their appearances on television. While he garnered much success around every "Whatchu taum'bout Willis?" utterance on Diff'rent Strokes, he also managed to appear at the center of tabloid press. Coleman suffered a brain hemorrhage following an accident at his Utah home last Wednesday. He was 42 years old.

▌CELEBRATION OF LIFE ▌ Lena Horne (June 30, 1917 - May 9, 2010)

The incomparable and timeless Lena Horne has died at age 92.

Horne's career spans some decades in entertainment, breaking barriers on stage and screen as one of the first Black women to front an all-white band, and one of Hollywood's problem stars, as she worked with her own contemporary and firestarter, Paul Robeson. Only last week, conversation resurfaced about the [still] forthcoming biopic based on Horne's life. The film is set to star singer, musician Alicia Keys as Horne. Janet Jackson had originally been named as the on-screen manifestation of Horne, but following the 2004 Super Bowl, the Elder made it very clear that Ms. Jackson would have no part in her legacy. Hear this tribute from NPR's Debbie Elliot:

▌CELEBRATION OF LIFE ▌ Dorothy I. Height (March 24, 1912 - April 20, 2010)

Civil Rights pioneer and heroine Dorothy Irene Height has died. Dr. Height was the Chair and President Emerita of the National Council of Negro Women headquartered in Washington, DC, but her accomplishments begin early in the 20th Century, spilling over until now, and exceeding her through her ongoing work and legacy. Dr. Height was 98. See a more comprehensive snapshot of her life here.

▌CELEBRATION OF LIFE ▌ GURU (July 17, 1966 - April 19, 2010)

 (GURU, left)

GURU of Gang Starr passed last night, April 19th, after a long battle with cancer. The artist was 43 years old. Check this letter from GURU to his fans and supporters, republished by AllHipHop.com.