Gary Cooper
Birth Name:
Frank James Cooper
Birth Place:
Helena, Montana, United States
Profession
Actor, Soundtrack, Stunts, Producer
Fast Facts
- In 1966, he was inducted into the Western Performers Hall of Fame in the National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum
- Ranked No․ 11 on the American Film Institute's "100 Years․․․ 100 Stars" list for Male Legends
- 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
- Turned down lead roles in "Stagecoach" and "Gone with the Wind․"
- 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
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 StarWinner
- 1957Golden Globe - Best Actor - Drama:Nominated
- 1959Golden Laurel - Top Action Performance:Winner
- 1960Golden Laurel - Top Action Performance:Winner
- 1962Bronze Wrangler - Factual Television Program:Winner