COMMENTARY | Born John Cooper Jr., Jackie Cooper wove his way into the hearts of audiences at an early age. The man who was known at one time as "America's Boy" passed away Tuesday at a nursing facility in Santa Monica, Calif., according to his elder son, John in an Associated Press report.
Remembered best perhaps by baby boomers and their elders for his appearances in "Our Gang" and younger generations for his portrayal of Perry White in Christopher Reeves' four "Superman" movies, Cooper was one of few child actors who went on to successful adult careers.
Jackie Cooper's Early Career
After Cooper's father abandoned the family when he was but 2 years old, his mother did what she could to provide for her family. Beginning at age 3, Cooper acted in silent movies, providing much-needed income for the family.
At the age of 7, Cooper was cast in the "Our Gang" series, appearing in 15 episodes. His childhood film break came in 1931 when he was cast in the movie "Skippy," a film based on a popular comic strip. It was for this role that Cooper received an Oscar nomination, becoming the youngest actor to have done so.
That same year, Cooper played another strong, poignant role in "The Champ," with actor Wallace Beery. Through his teen years, he acted in several films and continued to ride the wave of his popularity with audiences and fellow actors.
It was during the 1930s that Cooper garnered the nickname "America's Boy." His wholesome appearance and demeanor endeared him to audiences and co-workers. His fame as a child star in that era was rivaled most closely by Shirley Temple.
Jackie Cooper Branches Out
Cooper enlisted in the Navy during World War II; upon returning stateside, he found that his former popularity in Hollywood had dwindled. But it was the heyday of television, and Cooper soon found work as an actor, director and producer in the medium. For the T.V. series "Hennesey," a naval dramatic comedy which starred Cooper, who also produced and directed the program through its three years, he was twice nominated for an Emmy for his portrayal of the title character.
Cooper continued to be an actor, but branched out further as a director and producer in television. He received two Emmy awards for directing; one for an episode each of "M*A*S*H" and "The White Shadow."
In the 1960s, Cooper became vice president in charge of production at Screen Gems, the television branch of Columbia Pictures. One of Cooper's successes during the period was the T.V. show "The Flying Nun," starring Sally Field.
Beginning in 1978, Cooper appeared as Perry White, Clark Kent's volatile boss in Christopher Reeves' "Superman," and played the same role through the three subsequent sequels.
It was after the final "Superman" movie that Cooper basically retired from acting and directing. In 1981, he surprised fans with his autobiography, "Please Don't Shoot My Dog."
Cooper was steadfast in his regrets about the childhood he missed due to acting. He was proud to say that none of his four children were child actors. Jackie Cooper was a class act throughout this 60+ years in Hollywood; he will be remembered fondly by many.
Smack dab in the middle of the baby boomer generation, L.L. Woodard is a proud resident of "The Red Man" state. With what he hopes is an everyman's view of life's concerns both in his state and throughout the nation, Woodard presents facts and opinions based on common-sense solutions.
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