Topic Page: Cooper, Gary (1901 - 1961)
originally
Frank James Cooper
1901-61
US film actor
Born in Helena, Montana, he was originally a cartoonist. He moved to Los Angeles and began working as an extra and stunt rider in Western films. A bit part in The Winning of Barbara Worth (1926) brought him a contract with Paramount and several years of minor roles before his work as the laconic cowboy in The Virginian (1929) made him a star. He then starred as the archetypal hero of many Westerns, and also made light comedy and high adventure. His many film credits include A Farewell to Arms (1932), The Lives of a Bengal Lancer (1935), For Whom the Bell Tolls (1943) and Friendly Persuasion (1956). He was nominated for an Academy Award for his performance in Mr Deeds Goes to Town (1936) and won Best Actor Academy Awards for performances as the World War I Quaker hero Sergeant York (1941) and as the sheriff who stood alone in High Noon (1952). He also received a Special Academy Award in 1960.
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