Cooper, Gary

Cooper, Gary,1901–61, American film actor, b. Helena, Mont., as Frank James Cooper. His first important starring role inA Farewell to Arms(1933) was followed by such films asMr. Deeds Goes to Town(1936),Pride of the Yankees(1942),For Whom the Bell Tolls(1943), andSaratoga Trunk(1944). Best known to his public as the shy, lanky man of the West, he won Academy Awards for his performances inSergeant York(1941) andHigh Noon(1952), in which his portrayal of the strong, silent sheriff became emblematic of the Western hero. His later films includeVera Cruz(1954),Friendly Persuasion(1956), andThey Came to Cordura(1959).

See biography by J. Meyers (1998).

See more Encyclopedia articles on:Film and Television: Biographies