Join or Sign In

Continue with Facebook Continue with email

By joining TV Guide, you agree to our Terms of Use and acknowledge the data practices in our Privacy Policy.

Gary Cooper Biography

Birth Name:Frank James Cooper

Birth Place:Helena, Montana, United States

Profession Actor, Soundtrack, Stunts, Producer

Fast Facts

Ranked No․ 11 on the American Film Institute's "100 Years․․․ 100 Stars" list for Male Legends
In 1966, he was inducted into the Western Performers Hall of Fame in the National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum
Was honored with a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame in 1960
Began working as an actor in 1925 after failing as a promoter for a local photographer, a newspaper applicant and a salesman of electric signs and theatrical curtains
Quote: "Naturally, the nearer the character you play comes to the character you are, the more authenticity you give it․ You are not acting so much as being․ The result is realism․"
Quote: "The only achievement I am really proud of is the friends I have made in this community․"
Is often seen in films deliberately delivering his lines very slowly
Well known for his stoic style and calm, understated demeanor
Was a longtime friend of noted writer Ernest Hemingway
Was one of the founding members of the Motion Picture Alliance for the Preservation of American Ideals in 1943
Turned down lead roles in "Stagecoach" and "Gone with the Wind․"

Awards

1928Photoplay Award-Best Performances of the Month (February): winner
1928Photoplay Award-Best Performances of the Month (March): winner
1929Photoplay Award-Best Performances of the Month (October): winner
1930Photoplay Award-Best Performances of the Month (November): winner
1930Photoplay Award-Best Performances of the Month (July): winner
1930Photoplay Award-Best Performances of the Month (February): winner
1931Photoplay Award-Best Performances of the Month (June): winner
1933Photoplay Award-Best Performances of the Month (February): winner
1934Photoplay Award-Best Performances of the Month (January): winner
1934Photoplay Award-Best Performances of the Month (October): winner
1936NYFCC Award-Best Actor: nominated
1936Photoplay Award-Best Performances of the Month (June): winner
1937Oscar-Best Actor in a Leading Role: nominated
1937Photoplay Award-Best Performances of the Month (February): winner
1937Photoplay Award-Best Performances of the Month (October): winner
1938Photoplay Award-Best Performances of the Month (April): winner
1939Photoplay Award-Best Performances of the Month (February): winner
1939Photoplay Award-Best Performances of the Month (October): winner
1940Photoplay Award-Best Performances of the Month (December): winner
1941NBR Award-Best Acting: winner
1941NYFCC Award-Best Actor: winner
1941Photoplay Award-Best Performances of the Month (June): winner
1941Photoplay Award-Best Performances of the Month (September): winner
1942Oscar-Best Actor in a Leading Role: winner
1942Photoplay Award-Best Performances of the Month (October): winner
1942Photoplay Award-Best Performances of the Month (February): winner
1943Oscar-Best Actor in a Leading Role: nominated
1943Photoplay Award-Best Performances of the Month (October): winner
1944Oscar-Best Actor in a Leading Role: nominated
1944Photoplay Award-Best Performances of the Month (July): winner
1946Photoplay Award-Best Performances of the Month (February): winner
1948Photoplay Award-Best Performances of the Month (October): winner
1949Photoplay Award-Best Performances of the Month (October): winner
1951Photoplay Award-Best Performances of the Month (May): winner
1952Gold Medal-Most Popular Male Star: winner
1953Oscar-Best Actor in a Leading Role: winner
1953Golden Globe-Best Actor - Drama: winner
1953Most Popular Male Star-: winner
1957Golden Globe-Best Actor - Drama: nominated
1959Golden Laurel-Top Action Performance: winner
1960Golden Laurel-Top Action Performance: winner
1962Bronze Wrangler-Factual Television Program: winner