After moving to California in the 1930s, Jerry Hopper worked as an editor at Paramount Studios.
During World War II he joined the Army and worked as a combat photographer where he was awarded a Purple Heart.
After the war, Hopper returned to Hollywood where he graduated to directing. After working prolifically in film during the Fifties, Hopper switched to television where he went on to direct over 600 episodes before effectively retiring in the early 1970s.
Served as a combat photographer in the U.S. Army during World War II, earning himself a Purple Heart when he was wounded during the landing at Leyte in the Philippines.
Third wife Dorothy was a classically trained pianist who worked with several famous composers before her death.