Artist Robert Hoppe, whose romantic and glamour-inspired works won him official art commissions for such events as Hollywood's 100th anniversary, has died from complications of AIDS, a family spokesman said Thursday. He was 46.
The Emmy award-winning Hoppe, who lived in Los Angeles and New York, died at his sister's home in North Hollywood Tuesday morning, spokesman Ron Baron said.Along with Hollywood's 100th anniversary, Hoppe was commissioned to do the official painting and prints for such events as Paramount's 75th anniversary and the movie "Chorus Line."
In the past few years, prices for Hoppe's original artworks went from about $3,000 to tens of thousands of dollars. Lines of fans hoping to meet Hoppe formed outside gallery openings in New York and Los Angeles.
His work also can be seen in New York's Radio City Music Hall and Gracie Mansion, the official residence of New York's mayor.
For Hoppe, who built a model of the entire "Showboat" set by the time he was 12, the success was well-earned.
Hoppe's love of theater led him to design sets for ballet companies and dance troupes, including Alvin Ailey's tribute to Duke Ellington.
Family members asked that any memorials or contributions be made to AIDS Project Los Angeles.