Jackie Cooper

Jackie Cooper was a prominent American actor and director.

His career spanned many decades and several different media formats. He began as a child performer and grew into a successful adult actor. Later, he became a respected television director. Cooper also served as an officer in the United States Navy. His long career included major film roles, television sitcoms, and behind-the-scenes leadership. His contributions to the motion picture industry earned him a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. This honor is located at 1507 Vine Street.

Cooper's journey into acting began with his family connections. He was born in Los Angeles, California, on September 15, 1922. His mother, Mabel Leonard Bigelow, was a stage pianist. His maternal uncle, Jack Leonard, worked as a screenwriter. His aunt, Julie Leonard, was an actress. Even his stepfather, C. J. Bigelow, was a studio production manager.

These early links to the industry helped shape his professional path. He started as an extra alongside his grandmother during her auditions.

His early career was defined by rapid growth and significant milestones. At age three, he appeared in comedies under the name "Leonard." He eventually moved into bit parts in feature films. A director named David Butler recommended him to Leo McCarey. This led to an audition for the Our Gang comedy series. Cooper signed a three-year contract in 1929 after appearing in the short *Boxing Gloves*. He became a major character in the series, replacing Harry Spear.

He was the main character in the 1930 entries *The First Seven Years* and *When the Wind Blows*.

One of Cooper's most historic achievements occurred when he was nine years old. He starred in the 1931 film *Skippy*, directed by his uncle, Norman Taurog. For this performance, he became the youngest person ever nominated for an Academy Award for Best Actor. This was a massive achievement for a child. While Paramount paid his studio $25,000 for his services, Cooper received a standard salary of $50 per week. His success led Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer to purchase his contract in 1931. This period established him as a highly sought-after talent.

Acting required significant emotional discipline, especially during his youth. In his autobiography, *Please Don't Shoot My Dog*, Cooper described the difficult methods used by some directors. During the filming of *Skippy*, director Norman Taurog used tricks to make him cry. One instance involved a security guard pretending to shoot Cooper's dog. This caused genuine tears, though the dog was actually safe. Cooper eventually learned a more professional method. He learned to experience emotions by studying the script and empathizing with the character. This skill allowed him to transition into adolescent roles in the 1930s and adult roles from 1940 onward.

Cooper's adult career was diverse and included many famous roles.

He starred in the sitcoms *The People's Choice* and *Hennesey*. Many viewers recognized him as Perry White, the editor-in-chief of the Daily Planet, in the *Superman* films. He also held a leadership role at Columbia Pictures. As vice president of program development, he helped package series like *Bewitched*. His talent extended to directing, where he earned two Primetime Emmy Awards. He worked on notable episodes of *M*A*S*H* and *The White Shadow*.

Beyond the screen, Cooper led a life of service and varied interests. He served in the U.S. Navy during World War II. He remained in the Naval Reserve until 1982, retiring at the rank of captain. He was awarded the Legion of Merit for his service. Cooper also enjoyed automobile racing and participated in events at the Bonneville Salt Flats. He even served as the honorary starter for the 1976 Winston 500 at Talladega Superspeedway. He passed away on May 3, 2011, at the age of 88. His life remains a testament to a successful, multi-faceted career.