Jackie Cooper

He married Hildy Parks in 1950. This marriage too ended in divorce.

He tied the knot for the third time in 1954 with Barbara Rae Kraus. The couple had three children and remained together till Barbara’s death in 2009.

He was born to John Cooper and Mabel Leonard. His father abandoned the family when Jackie was just two years old. His mother who worked as a stage pianist later remarried C. J. Bigelow, a studio production manager.

There were many people in his family including his maternal uncle and maternal aunt who made a career for themselves in show business. Jackie appeared in his first film when he was just three.

As a little boy he was given small roles that did not require much acting. He appeared in films like as ‘Fox Movietone Follies of 1929’ and ‘Sunny Side Up’. But Jackie was very talented for his young age and was soon receiving offers for playing supportive roles.

In 1929, he appeared in the short comedy film, ‘Boxing Gloves’ which was his official debut. By 1930 he had become an accomplished child actor and played the leading role in the comedy film, ‘The First Seven Years’.

He played the title role in the 1931 film, ‘Skippy’ in which his character tries to help his new friend in saving a dog. This movie was directed by Jackie’s uncle, Norman Taurog, and was a big hit with several Academy Award nominations.

He was flooded with film offers post the success of ‘Skippy’ and acted in the film ‘The Champ’ in 1931. It was the story of an alcoholic boxer who wants to regain his life for the sake of his young son.

He played the role of Jim Hawkins in ‘Treasure Island’ in 1934 which was adapted from Robert Louis Stevenson’s famous eponymous novel in which a boy discovers a treasure map and travels in search of the hidden treasures.

In spite of his successful career as an adult actor, his best remembered role remains that of the little boy he played in ‘Skippy’. The boy who tries his best to collect money to buy a license for a dog before it is put to sleep struck a chord with the audience and also with the film critics.