Mini Tribute: Jackie Cooper

Jackie Cooper started out as a child star in silent shorts back in 1929, transitioning nicely into ‘sound’ films, and later into ‘adult’ roles and TV producing/directing.

Jackie Cooper, young and ‘older’

Cooper was the first child actor to ever receive an Oscar Nomination (Best Actor for his starring role in Skippy 1931), and remained the youngest Oscar Nominee (at age 9) until Justin Henry was nominated at age 8 for Best Supporting Actor in Kramer vs Kramer.

As child star, Cooper is perhaps best known as the character Jackie from the Our Gang shorts and episodes, as well as for his role as Dink in the classic sports film (and tearjerker), The Champ (1931), starring Wallace Beery.

Wallace Beery and Jackie Cooper in The Champ (1931, director King Vidor, uncredited)

“The Champ and I ain’t fixed up swell as this, but our joint’s more lively.” -Jackie Cooper as Dink in The Champ 1931

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As an ‘adult’ actor, Cooper is probably best remembered for his role as Daily Planet editor Perry White in the Superman films of the 1970s-80s starring Christopher Reeve.

Jackie Cooper, who played the role of Daily Planet editor, Perry White, in Superman I, II, III and IV

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–Annmarie Gatti for Classic Movie Hub