Overview

Know for
Acting
Gender
Male
Birthday
15 Sep, 1922 (102 years old)

Jackie Cooper

Biography

Served with the Navy in the South Pacific toward the end of World War II. 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).

Known For

Superman II: The Richard Donner Cut
HD
1h 56m min 2006

Superman II: The Richard Donner Cut

Science Fiction Movie
Superman IV: The Quest for Peace
HD
1h 30m min 1987

Superman IV: The Quest for Peace

Action Movie
Superman III
HD
2h 5m min 1983

Superman III

Comedy Movie
Superman II
HD
2h 7m min 1980

Superman II

Science Fiction Movie
Superman
HD
2h 23m min 1978

Superman

Science Fiction Movie
Scouts to the Rescue
HD
3h 51m min 1939

Scouts to the Rescue

Adventure Movie

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