Gary Cooper

Actor[30]

What is Gary Cooper known for?

Gary Cooper, born as Frank James Cooper, is a celebrated alumni of Valley Center High School, California. Born on May 7, 1901, in Helena, Montana, U.S., Cooper was known for his strong, quiet screen persona and understated acting style. He was an active part of the movie industry from 1925 to 1961, landing leading roles in 84 feature films during his impressive 36-year career.

Cooper's career began as an extra and stunt rider but he soon rose to prominence with leading roles. He cemented his position as a movie star in 1929 with his first sound picture, The Virginian. Known for his projection of his own personality onto the characters he played, Cooper's screen persona appealed strongly to both men and women. He became the embodiment of the ideal American hero.

Throughout his career, Cooper won the Academy Award for Best Actor twice and had three more nominations. He also received an Academy Honorary Award in 1961 for his career achievements. Cooper remained one of the top-10 film personalities for 23 consecutive years and was one of the top money-making stars for 18 years. The American Film Institute (AFI) ranked him at number 11 on its list of the 25 greatest male stars of classic Hollywood cinema.

In the later part of his career, Cooper portrayed more mature characters, often at odds with the world, featuring in films like The Fountainhead (1949) and High Noon (1952). His final films showcased characters in search of redemption, such as in Friendly Persuasion (1956) and Man of the West (1958).

Cooper passed away on May 13, 1961, in Los Angeles, California, leaving behind a rich legacy in the realm of Hollywood cinema. To know more about his life and work, you can visit his website garycooper.com.