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Jackie Cooper
Los Angeles, California, USA
Jackie Cooper (September 15, 1922 –May 3, 2011) was an American actor. He is best known for his role of Perry White in the Christopher Reeves Superman films (1978–1987). He with…
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Jackie Cooper (September 15, 1922 –May 3, 2011) was an American actor. He is best known for his role of Perry White in the Christopher Reeves Superman films (1978–1987). He with the Navy in the South Pacific toward the end of World War II and then, quietly and without publicity or fanfare, compiled one of the most distinguished peacetime military careers of anyone in his profession. In 1961, as his weekly TV series Hennesey (1959) was enhancing naval recruiting efforts, accepted a commission as a line officer in the Naval Reserve with duties in recruitment, training films, and public relations. Holder of a multi-engine pilot license, he later co-piloted jet planes for the Navy, which made him an Honorary Aviator authorized to wear wings of gold-at the time only the third so honored in naval aviation history. By 1976 he had attained the rank of captain, and was in uniform aboard the carrier USS Constellation for the Bicentennial celebration on July 4. In 1980, the Navy proposed a period of active duty at the Pentagon that would have resulted in a promotion to rear admiral, bringing him even with Air Force Reserve Brigadier General James Stewart. Fresh on the heels of a second directing Emmy, he felt his absence would impact achieving a long-held goal of directing motion pictures, and reluctantly declined. (The opportunity in films never materialized.) Holds Letters of Commendation from six secretaries of the Navy. Was honorary chairman of the U.S. Navy Memorial Foundation and a charter member of VIVA, the effort to return POW-MIAs from Vietnam. Upon retirement in 1982, he was decorated with the Legion of Merit by Navy Secretary John F. Lehman Jr.. Other than Stewart, no performer in his industry has achieved a higher uniformed rank in the U.S. military. (Glenn Ford was also a Naval Reserve captain, and director and Captain John Ford was awarded honorary flag rank upon his 1951 retirement from the Naval Reserve).
Filmography
Movies and shows, newest first
- 2021
- 2006
-
2006
Superman II: The Richard Donner Cut
Movie Perry White
- 2006
-
2004
Judy Garland: By Myself
Movie Self - Actor (voice)
-
2001
Lana Turner... a Daughter's Memoir
Movie Self
- 2000
-
1997
Sports on the Silver Screen
Movie Self (archive footage)
-
1995
Inside the Dream Factory
Movie
- 1995
-
1994
The Our Gang Story
Movie Jackie (archive footage)
-
1993
Lucy and Desi: A Home Movie
Movie Self
-
1990
Capital News
TV show John C. Dodd
- 1989
-
1988
Superboy
TV show Director
-
1988
Supercarrier
TV show Director
More credits
-
1987
Surrender
Movie Ace Morgan
-
1987
The Law & Harry McGraw
TV show Director
-
1987
Jake and the Fatman
TV show Director
-
1987
Superman IV: The Quest for Peace
Movie Perry White
-
1987
The Ladies
Movie Producer
-
1987
Spies
TV show Director
-
1987
Ohara
TV show Director
-
1986
Sledge Hammer!
TV show Director
-
1986
The Deacon Street Deer
Movie Director
-
1986
Classic Comedy Teams
Movie Our Gang(archive footage)
-
1985
Izzy & Moe
Movie Director
-
1985
The Making of 'Superman III'
Movie Self
-
1984
The Night They Saved Christmas
Movie Director
-
1984
Murder, She Wrote
TV show Carl Schulman / Neil Fletcher
-
1984
Glitter
TV show Director
-
1984
Ticket to Hollywood
Movie Narrator
-
1984
No Earthly Reason
Movie J. Nash Hawkins
-
1983
The Making of 'Superman II'
Movie Self
-
1983
Superman III
Movie Perry White
-
1983
Hollywood Out-takes and Rare Footage
Movie Self (archive footage) (uncredited)
-
1982
Rosie: The Rosemary Clooney Story
Movie Director
-
1982
St. Elsewhere
TV show David Domedion
-
1982
Moonlight
Movie Director
-
1982
Cagney & Lacey
TV show Director
