Jackie Cooper was born John Cooper, Jr. on September 15, 1922, in Los Angeles, California.
Raised by his mother and maternal grandmother, he entered the entertainment industry at a very young age. Cooper’s family background, deeply rooted in show business, paved the way for his early entry into acting.
Rise to Stardom
Jackie Cooper’s big break came when he joined the cast of the “Our Gang” (later known as “The Little Rascals”) series. His natural talent and charm quickly made him a standout.
However, it was his role in the 1931 film “Skippy” that catapulted him to stardom. At just nine years old, Cooper became the youngest actor to receive an Academy Award nomination for Best Actor, a record that still stands.
Transitioning from child star to adult actor is often challenging, but Cooper managed it with finesse. He served in the U.S. Navy during World War II, which temporarily interrupted his acting career.
Upon returning, he continued to find work in both film and television. Some notable films from his adult career include “The Champ” (1931), “Treasure Island” (1934), and “The Return of Frank James” (1940).
Television Career and Directing
In the 1950s, Cooper transitioned to television, where he found significant success. He starred in the popular series “The People’s Choice” and “Hennesey.”
His talent extended beyond acting, and he directed several episodes of both series. His work as a director earned him several Emmy nominations, and he won two Emmy Awards for his work on “MAS*H” and “The White Shadow.”
Later Years and Legacy
In the 1970s and 1980s, Cooper gained a new generation of fans with his role as Perry White, the gruff yet lovable editor-in-chief of the Daily Planet, in the “Superman” film series. This role solidified his place in Hollywood history.
Jackie Cooper also ventured into business, working as an executive at Columbia Pictures. His memoir, “Please Don’t Shoot My Dog,” co-written with Dick Kleiner, offers a candid look at his life in Hollywood.
Cooper’s personal life was marked by several marriages. He married June Horne in 1944, but they divorced in 1949. He then married Hildy Parks in 1950, and they divorced in 1951.
His longest marriage was to Barbara Rae Kraus in 1954, with whom he had three children. They remained married until her death in 2009.
Death and Legacy
Jackie Cooper passed away on May 3, 2011, at the age of 88. His contributions to the entertainment industry, from his early days as a child star to his later work in television and film, left an indelible mark.
He is remembered as one of the few child actors who successfully transitioned to a long and varied career in Hollywood.
Jackie Cooper’s journey from a child star to a respected actor, director, and producer stands as a testament to his versatility and enduring talent. His legacy continues to inspire actors and filmmakers in the industry today.
