Trivia

Claimed in his autobiography that, while directing some of the first season episodes of M*A*S*H (1972), the only two actors there who weren't a pain to work with were Larry Linville and Wayne Rogers.

Interred with full honors in Arlington National Cemetery on November 22, 2011.

Walked away from the industry in 1989 during his wife's brief illness, and never returned: "I'm sixty-seven, and worked sixty-four years." Had enjoyed retirement ever since, and refused to participate in industry retrospectives which dwelt too wistfully on the so-called good old days. (August 2003)

When his first son was to be signed to a long-term contract with MGM, Cooper's studio at the height of his fame as a child, he intervened and persuaded his ex-wife (the boy's mother) to decline: "It's no way for a kid to grow up." Adamantly opposed to children acting to the exclusion of a normal upbringing, based on his own life experiences. None of Cooper's four children were performers.

In 1977, while serving in the Navy Reserve, a photograph was taken of him giving the oath of enlistment to fellow former child star Jay North when he joined the Navy. Jay North served honorably and was discharged in 1979. Jackie Cooper later retired from the Navy Reserve.

As of 2010, he holds two Oscar records: Youngest performer nominated in a leading role (this record has stood for 79 years); and oldest nomination (1931) in any and all Academy categories for an individual still living.

The nephew of director Norman Taurog and writer Jack Leonard, when Cooper refused to do a crying scene on the set of Skippy (1931), his uncle reportedly threatened to shoot his dog.

His paternal grandparents were Louise and John Cooper. His maternal grandfather, John Leonard (born John Polito), was born in New York, to Italian parents. His maternal grandmother, Marie Babbino, was born in California, also of Italian origin. According to Cooper's New York Times obituary, his father deserted his family when Jackie was an infant. He was raised by his mother and other female relatives. In September 1951, he was driving cross country and stopped at a gas station in the west. Jackie was told that his father was living upstairs and that his father had pictures of him on his walls and would like very much to meet him. Jackie declined, saying "I don't want to be confused.".

Until 13-year-old Keisha Castle-Hughes was nominated for Best Actress in 2004, he was the only actor to earn a Best Actor/Actress nomination for an Academy Award before his/her 18th birthday. Seventeen other actors have earned Oscar nominations as children, but all except Keisha were in the supporting categories.

He produced and directed over 250 films and television shows and, as a child actor, appeared in eight episodes of the "Our Gang" films in the role of Skippy. Cooper and Shirley Temple were the most popular child stars of the 1930s.

Due to his exemplary military service, he is buried at Arlington National Cemetery.

Along with Christopher Reeve, Margot Kidder, and Marc McClure, he is one of only four actors to appear in the first four Superman films: Superman (1978), Superman II (1980), Superman III (1983), and Superman IV: The Quest for Peace (1987).

Cooper, Freddie Bartholomew and Shirley Temple were the most popular child stars of the 1930's.

Has a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame at 1507 Vine Street in Hollywood, California.

From 1980-1982 season Cooper directed seven made-for-TV movies including one as Alan Smithee.

Jackie Cooper's feet and autograph were enshrined at Graumann's Chinese when he was America's child star. Jackie, Jr. once took a date to Graumann's to impress her by showing off his dad's immortal impressions. Her less-than-savvy response to this private showing - "What is he? A midget?".

In the 1970s, he served as Instructor/Guest Lecturer at California State University Northridge in Radio/TV/Film Department on Film and Television Producing, Directing and Marketing.

Directed the Pilot Episode Of Trapper John, M.D. the Spin-off To M*A*S*H.

Attended the same high school as Angelina Jolie, Michael Klesic, Nicolas Cage, Lenny Kravitz, David Schwimmer, Jonathan Silverman, Gina Gershon, Rhonda Fleming, Rob Reiner, Antonio Sabato Jr., Pauly Shore, Michael Tolkin, Betty White, Corbin Bernsen, Elizabeth Daily, Albert Brooks, and Crispin Glover.

Father, with June Harris, of son John Anthony Cooper (Jackie Cooper Jr.), born August 19, 1946. Children with Barbara: Russell (born 1956), Julie (1957-1997), and Cristina "Crissy" (1959-2009).

He guest starred in Claire (1975), which also featured Lane Smith. Both Cooper and Smith later played the "Superman" character Perry White, the editor of the Daily Planet: Cooper in Superman (1978), Superman II (1980), Superman III (1983) and Superman IV: The Quest for Peace (1987) and Smith in Lois & Clark: The New Adventures of Superman (1993).

Acting mentor and friend of Julie Gregg. In her early twenties she met him when she was guest-starring on several of the TV shows by Screen Gems, where he was vice president of program development.

Appeared in two movies nominated for the Best Picture Oscar: Skippy (1931) and The Champ (1931).

As a child star he appeared in eight of the Our Gang comedies which led to him playing the title role of Skippy.

Jack was in the same graduating class from Beverly Hills High, Summer, 1940, as Bill McEdward, who later became known as Blake Edwards.

He attended Beverly Hills High, and appears under the name of Jack Cooper on the page of the Summer Class in the 1938 Watchtower, Beverly's yearbook.

Ex-son-in-law of James W. Horne and Cleo Ridgely. Ex-brother-in-law of James Horne Jr..

He was the youngest actor to be Oscar nominated at the age of 9 in 1930/31.

Cooper was told by his family that his father was Jewish.

Born at 12:35pm-PDT.