The captivating life of Barbara Charline Cooper, a talented individual with a fascinating trajectory. Her journey began when she dropped out of the University of California, where she was studying Anthropology, to pursue her acting debut in the 1970 film Zabriskie Point. This marked the beginning of her foray into the world of acting, a decision that would have a profound impact on her life.
Following her stint in Zabriskie Point, Barbara found herself drawn to the Mel Lyman-led Boston commune, where she lived alongside her Zabriskie Point co-star Mark Frechette. Tragedy struck when Mark was involved in a bank robbery and subsequently died in prison. This tumultuous period in her life was followed by her marriage to the renowned actor Dennis Hopper in May 1972.
Beyond her acting endeavors, Barbara has also made significant contributions to the field of psychology. She has studied under the guidance of Fritz Perls, the creator of Gestalt Therapy, and has earned a Master's degree in Psychology. Her expertise in this field has led her to co-found and direct The Tamalpa Institute alongside her mother, Anna Halprin, a pioneering dance therapist and choreographer.
Anna Halprin, Barbara's mother, was affectionately referred to as "the Martha Graham of the West" for her groundbreaking work in the field of dance therapy. Barbara's father, Lawrence Halprin, was a prominent landscape architect who played a significant role in shaping the urban landscape. His influence extended to the hiring of former Department of the Interior Secretary Stewart L. Udall, who joined his firm.
