Jackie Cooper

Has a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame at 1507 Vine Street in Hollywood, California.

He produced and directed over 250 films and television shows and, as a child actor, appeared in eight episodes of the "Our Gang" films in the role of Skippy. Cooper and Shirley Temple were the most popular child stars of the 1930s.

The nephew of director Norman Taurog and writer Jack Leonard, when Cooper refused to do a crying scene on the set of Skippy (1931), his uncle reportedly threatened to shoot his dog.

Father, with June Horne, of son John Anthony Cooper (Jackie Cooper Jr..), born August 19, 1946. Children with Barbara: Russell (born 1956), Julie (1957-1997), and Cristina "Crissy" (1959-2009).

His paternal grandparents were Louise and John Cooper. His maternal grandfather, John Leonard (born John Polito), was born in New York, to Italian parents. His maternal grandmother, Marie Babbino, was born in California, also of Italian origin. According to Cooper's New York Times obituary, his father deserted his family when Jackie was an infant. He was raised by his mother and other female relatives. In September 1951, he was driving cross country and stopped at a gas station in the west. Jackie was told that his father was living upstairs and that his father had pictures of him on his walls and would like very much to meet him. Jackie declined, saying "I don't want to be confused.".

Jackie Cooper was born John Cooper in Los Angeles, California, to Mabel Leonard, an Italian-American stage pianist, and John Cooper. Through his mother, he was the nephew of actress Julie Leonard, screenwriter Jack Leonard, and (by marriage) director Norman Taurog. Jackie served with the Navy in the South Pacific toward the end of World War II. Then, quietly and without publicity or fanfare, compiled one of the most distinguished peacetime military careers of anyone in his profession. In 1961, as his weekly TV series Hennesey (1959) was enhancing naval recruiting efforts, accepted a commission as a line officer in the Naval Reserve with duties in recruitment, training films, and public relations. Holder of a multi-engine pilot license, he later co-piloted jet planes for the Navy, which made him an Honorary Aviator authorized to wear wings of gold-at the time only the third so honored in naval aviation history.

In the 1970s, he served as Instructor/Guest Lecturer at California State University Northridge in Radio/TV/Film Department on Film and Television Producing, Directing and Marketing.

Claimed in his autobiography that, while directing some of the first season episodes of M*A*S*H (1972), the only two actors there who weren't a pain to work with were Larry Linville and Wayne Rogers.

He guest starred in The Rockford Files: Claire (1975), which also featured Lane Smith. Both Cooper and Smith later played the "Superman" character Perry White, the editor of the Daily Planet: Cooper in Superman (1978), Superman II (1980), Superman III (1983) and Superman IV: The Quest for Peace (1987) and Smith in Lois & Clark: The New Adventures of Superman (1993).

By 1976 he had attained the rank of captain, and was in uniform aboard the carrier USS Constellation for the Bicentennial celebration on July 4.

In 1977, while serving in the Navy Reserve, a photograph was taken of him giving the oath of enlistment to fellow former child star Jay North when he joined the Navy. Jay North served honorably and was discharged in 1979. Jackie Cooper later retired from the Navy Reserve.

Along with Christopher Reeve, Margot Kidder, and Marc McClure, he is one of only four actors to appear in the first four Superman films: Superman (1978), Superman II (1980), Superman III (1983), and Superman IV: The Quest for Peace (1987).

In 1980 the Navy proposed a period of active duty at the Pentagon that would have resulted in a promotion to rear admiral, bringing him even with Air Force Reserve Brigadier General James Stewart. Fresh on the heels of a second directing Emmy, he felt his absence would impact achieving a long-held goal of directing motion pictures, and reluctantly declined. (The opportunity in films never materialized. ) Holds Letters of Commendation from six secretaries of the Navy. Was honorary chairman of the U. S. Navy Memorial Foundation and a charter member of VIVA, the effort to return POW-MIAs from Vietnam.

Upon retirement in 1982, he was decorated with the Legion of Merit by Navy Secretary John F. Lehman Jr. . Other than Stewart, no performer in his industry has achieved a higher uniformed rank in the U. S. military.

Walked away from the industry in 1989 during his wife's brief illness, and never returned: "I'm sixty-seven, and worked sixty-four years." Has enjoyed retirement ever since, and refuses to participate in industry retrospectives which dwell too wistfully on the so-called good old days. [August 2003]

Until 13-year-old Keisha Castle-Hughes was nominated for Best Actress in 2004, he was the only actor to earn a Best Actor/Actress nomination for an Academy Award before his/her 18th birthday. Seventeen other actors have earned Oscar nominations as children, but all except Keisha were in the supporting categories.

As of 2010, he holds two Oscar records: Youngest performer nominated in a leading role (this record has stood for 79 years); and oldest nomination (1931) in any and all Academy categories for an individual still living.

Interred with full honors in Arlington National Cemetery on November 22, 2011.