# Posthumous Actor Ads The 'Hopper Lives' Vans Billboards Will Take Your Breath Away By Marie | Published 2011-08-17 | Marketing Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/hopper-lives-vans-billboards References: [adweek](http://www.adweek.com/adfreak/dennis-hopper-lives-and-hes-selling-vans-shoes-and-apparel-134155) & [laist](http://laist.com/2011/08/15/hopper_lives_ad_posters_ignite_nostalgia_on_the_streets_of_la.php) Actor Dennis Hopper may have passed away in May 2010, but his life is carried on in the 'Hopper Lives' [Vans](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/always-pushing) billboards decorating the streets of Los Angeles and New York City. The colossal ads are promoting the [limited edition shoes and apparel](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/otw-by-vans-line), designed in collaboration with the skateboard brand before his death. The Dennis Hopper ad campaign is based on the "Bird Lives!" graffiti that appeared in the streets of NYC after the death of jazz musician Charlie Parker in the 1950s. This nod to such a powerful street art movement is what makes the Vans billboards so remarkable. As a fan of Vans apparel and the actor, I hope these Hopper Lives Vans billboards make appearances in cities around the world. The black and white photography and simplicity of the poster makes it look more like a work of art than an advertisement. ## Trend Insights (Trend Hunter) - Score: 2.7/10 - Popularity: 31% | Activity: 41% | Freshness: 8% - Audience gender: 50% men, 50% women - Primary generations: Millennial - Top markets: North America, Europe ## Categories [Trend Hunter](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends) > [Marketing](https://www.trendhunter.com/marketing) > [Billboards](https://www.trendhunter.com/billboards) ## Key Themes ### Key Themes Behind This Trend - **Posthumous Ad Campaigns:** Developing ad campaigns for deceased celebrities can create a unique emotional connection with consumers and showcase the legacy of the celebrity. - **'performing' Products:** Creating products in collaboration with deceased celebrities can continue their legacy and offer consumers a way to connect with them. - **Nostalgic Marketing:** Using nostalgic themes and imagery can resonate with consumers, creating emotional connections and boosting engagement. ### Where This Applies - **Fashion:** Collaborating with deceased celebrities to create limited edition clothing and accessories can help fashion brands stand out and appeal to fans of the celebrity. - **Advertising:** Developing posthumous ad campaigns can create buzz and emotional connections with audiences, making them more likely to engage with the brand. - **Art:** Using street art as inspiration for advertising campaigns can blend the line between art and commerce, creating unique and eye-catching advertisements. ## Related on Trend Hunter - [Skateboarding-Inspired Ads](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/always-pushing.md) - [Commemorative Skateboarding Decks](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/harold-hunter.md) - [Ambassador-Focused Footwear Campaigns](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/vans.md) - [Skateboarding Heritage Collection](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/united-through-skateboarding.md) - [Storytelling-Forward Footwear Campaigns](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/old-meets-knu.md) - [Streetwear Skate Remixes](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/new-future.md) - [Fine Art-Inspired Sneaker Designs](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/otw-by-vans-line.md) - [Charitable Live-Marketing Campaigns](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/living-billboards.md) - [Global Storytelling Initatives](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/always-pushing-campaign.md)