Cooper, Gary (1901-1961), was an American motion-picture actor who appeared in more than 90 films. His cowboy roles in such movies as The Virginian (1929) and The Westerner (1940) made him a symbol of the courageous pioneer of the American West. In these and other films, including Meet John Doe (1941) and Friendly Persuasion (1956), Cooper came to represent the common person fighting evil. Cooper won Academy Awards for his performances in Sergeant York (1941) and High Noon (1952).
Cooper’s real name was Frank James Cooper. He was born on May 7, 1901, in Helena, Montana. He first gained fame as a romantic leading man in such films as A Farewell to Arms (1932). He first won critical praise in Frank Capra’s sentimental comedy Mr. Deeds Goes to Town (1936). Cooper died on May 13, 1961.
