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Chris Cooper Biography

Birth Name:Christopher W. Cooper

Birth Place:Kansas City, Missouri, United States

Profession Actor, Director, Producer, Soundtrack

Fast Facts

  • Received the Lone Star Film & Television Award for Best Actor in 1996
  • The father of a child born with cerebral palsy, he advocates for programs for children with special needs
  • Performed with the theatre group, The Barn Players
  • Studied ballet at Stephens College before entering acting
  • Quote: "(On his role in "August: Osage County") "I'm bringing my life experience in relation to Little Charlie․․․There comes a role that actually fits you like a glove, and you just bring what you have lived to the role․ This one is a real strong example․""
  • Quote: "I want my script as early as I can get it, especially if it calls for research․․․It's just the way I go, just the way I work․․․I never want to have regrets, that I didn't go as far as I could in preparing or performing a role․ It sounds so simple, but I think actors want to go as far as they can, and as in-depth as they can, and make it appear effortless․"
  • Often portrays authority figures who associate with government agencies
  • Was cast in "The Ring," but the scenes he shot for the film were ultimately cut
  • Was offered the role of Commissioner Gordon in "Batman Begins," but turned it down
  • In his youth, he helped with the construction of the Royals Stadium in Kansas City

Awards

  • 1992Bronze Wrangler-Theatrical Motion Picture: winner
  • 1996Lone Star Film & Television Award-Best Actor: winner
  • 1997Chlotrudis Award-Best Actor: nominated
  • 1997Independent Spirit Award-Best Male Lead: nominated
  • 1999ACCA-Best Cast Ensemble: nominated
  • 1999ACCA-Best Actor in a Supporting Role: nominated
  • 1999Teen Choice Award-Film - Choice Sleazebag: nominated
  • 2000Actor-Outstanding Performance by a Cast in a Theatrical Motion Picture: winner
  • 2000Actor-Outstanding Performance by a Male Actor in a Supporting Role: nominated
  • 2002ACCA-Best Actor in a Supporting Role: nominated
  • 2002ACCA-Best Cast Ensemble: nominated
  • 2002Golden Schmoes-Best Supporting Actor of the Year: nominated
  • 2002KCFCC Award-Best Supporting Actor: winner
  • 2002Sierra Award-Best Supporting Actor: nominated
  • 2002LAFCA Award-Best Supporting Actor: winner
  • 2002NBR Award-Best Supporting Actor: winner
  • 2002NYFCC Award-Best Supporting Actor: nominated
  • 2002SDFCS Award-Best Supporting Actor: winner
  • 2002SFFCC Award-Best Supporting Actor: winner
  • 2002Seattle Film Critics Award-Best Supporting Actor: winner
  • 2002SEFCA Award-Best Supporting Actor: winner
  • 2002TFCA Award-Best Supporting Performance, Male: winner
  • 2002UFCA Award-Best Supporting Actor: winner
  • 2002VVFP Award-Best Supporting Performance: winner
  • 2002WAFCA Award-Best Supporting Actor: winner
  • 2003Oscar-Best Actor in a Supporting Role: winner
  • 2003Actor-Outstanding Performance by the Cast of a Theatrical Motion Picture: nominated
  • 2003Actor-Outstanding Performance by a Male Actor in a Supporting Role: nominated
  • 2003BAFTA Film Award-Best Performance by an Actor in a Supporting Role: nominated
  • 2003COFCA Award-Best Supporting Actor: winner
  • 2003CFCA Award-Best Supporting Actor: nominated
  • 2003Audience Award-Best Supporting Actor: winner
  • 2003Chlotrudis Award-Best Supporting Actor: nominated
  • 2003Critics Choice Award-Best Supporting Actor: winner
  • 2003DVDX Award-Best Supporting Actor in a DVD Premiere Movie: nominated
  • 2003DFWFCA Award-Best Supporting Actor: winner
  • 2003FFCC Award-Best Supporting Actor: winner
  • 2003Gold Derby Film Award-Ensemble Cast: nominated
  • 2003Gold Derby Film Award-Supporting Actor: winner
  • 2003Golden Globe-Best Performance by an Actor in a Supporting Role in a Motion Picture: winner
  • 2003INOCA-Best Supporting Actor: winner
  • 2003IOMA-Best Supporting Actor (Miglior attore non protagonista): nominated
  • 2003NSFC Award-Best Supporting Actor: nominated
  • 2003OFTA Film Award-Best Supporting Actor: winner
  • 2003OFTA Television Award-Best Supporting Actor in a Motion Picture or Miniseries: nominated
  • 2003OFCS Award-Best Ensemble: nominated
  • 2003OFCS Award-Best Supporting Actor: nominated
  • 2003PFCS Award-Best Actor in a Supporting Role: nominated
  • 2003PFCS Award-Best Acting Ensemble: nominated
  • 2003Primetime Emmy-Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Miniseries or a Movie: nominated
  • 2003Golden Satellite Award-Best Actor in a Supporting Role, Comedy or Musical: nominated
  • 2003VFCC Award-Best Supporting Actor: winner
  • 2004Actor-Outstanding Performance by a Cast in a Motion Picture: nominated
  • 2004Actor-Outstanding Performance by a Male Actor in a Supporting Role: nominated
  • 2004Golden Satellite Award-Best Actor in a Supporting Role in a Series, Miniseries or a Motion Picture Made for Television: nominated
  • 2005ACCA-Best Cast Ensemble: nominated
  • 2005Satellite Award-Outstanding Actor in a Supporting Role, Drama: nominated
  • 2006Actor-Outstanding Performance by a Cast in a Motion Picture: nominated
  • 2007VVFP Award-Best Actor: nominated
  • 2008Movies for Grownups Award-Best Actor: winner
  • 2009Movies for Grownups Award-Best Actor: nominated
  • 2010DFWFCA Award-Best Supporting Actor: nominated
  • 2010Gold Derby Film Award-Supporting Actor of the Decade: nominated
  • 2010NBR Award-Best Acting by an Ensemble: winner
  • 2010WAFCA Award-Best Acting Ensemble: winner
  • 2013Capri Ensemble Cast Award-: winner
  • 2013Hollywood Film Award-Ensemble of the Year: winner
  • 2013NFCS Award-Best Ensemble Cast: winner
  • 2013PFCS Award-Best Acting Ensemble: nominated
  • 2013WAFCA Award-Best Acting Ensemble: nominated
  • 2014Movies for Grownups Award-Best Supporting Actor: winner
  • 2014Actor-Outstanding Performance by a Cast in a Motion Picture: nominated
  • 2014Gold Derby Film Award-Ensemble Cast: nominated
  • 2014Seattle Film Critics Award-Best Ensemble Cast: nominated
  • 2020Gold Derby Film Award-Ensemble Cast: nominated
  • 2020Gold Derby Film Award-Ensemble of the Decade: nominated
  • 2020OFTA Film Award-Best Ensemble: nominated
  • 2021CinEuphoria-Best Ensemble - International Competition: nominated