Jackie Cooper Net Worth, Relationships, Age/Birthdate & Birthday

Jackie Cooper — A Life in Hollywood: From Child Prodigy to Screen Legend

Born John Cooper Jr. on September 15, 1922, Jackie Cooper’s journey through Hollywood and beyond is a compelling tale of early fame, resilience, reinvention, and enduring legacy. His birthday — September 15 — marked the beginning of a career that would span decades, decades that witnessed both the Golden Age of Hollywood and the rise of modern cinema.

A Star Is Born in Childhood: Early Breakthroughs in the Talkies

Jackie Cooper entered the world of film almost as soon as he could walk. Growing up in Los Angeles, he was surrounded by the entertainment industry: his mother, Mabel Leonard Bigelow, was a stage pianist and former child actress; his maternal uncle and aunt were a screenwriter and an actress, respectively. 

By the age of three he had already begun appearing in silent films. His real breakthrough came when he joined the ensemble of Our Gang (also known as “The Little Rascals”) around 1929 — a period that introduced him to audiences as a natural, charismatic presence on screen. 

But it was in the 1931 feature film Skippy that Jackie’s star truly rose. At nine years old — still a child — he delivered a performance so compelling that he became the youngest actor ever nominated for an Academy Award for Best Actor (a record that has stood the test of time).

That landmark nomination wasn’t a fluke. It heralded a rare kind of child-star success — one that didn’t fade as he grew older, but rather evolved.

Reinventing Himself: From Young Heartthrob to Veteran Actor and Director

As the film industry transitioned and matured, many child stars struggled to maintain relevancy. Jackie Cooper defied that norm. Throughout the 1930s and 1940s, he appeared in a string of films including The Champ (1931), The Bowery (1933), and Treasure Island (1934), naturally maturing into adolescent and young adult roles. 

His trajectory changed further after military service. During World War II, Cooper served in the U.S. Navy — a chapter that would shape not just his personal life, but how he approached Hollywood when he returned.

Post-war, he shifted focus to television and behind-the-scenes roles. In the 1950s and 1960s, he starred in sitcoms such as The People's Choice (1955–1958) and Hennesey (1959–1962), signaling a successful pivot from big-screen child star to respected adult performer. 

But Cooper didn’t stop at acting. He flourished behind the camera as well — serving as a television executive and director. In the 1970s and 1980s, he helmed episodes of major TV shows (notably earning Emmy Awards for work on MAS*H and The White Shadow) and resurfaced on the big screen as the tough-talking newspaper editor Perry White in a string of Superman films (1978–1987), a role that reintroduced him to a new generation of fans.

Through this evolution — child star → teen actor → television lead → director & executive — Jackie Cooper demonstrated rare longevity. His career arc offers one of the better examples in film history of adapting to changing times while remaining relevant.

The Man Behind the Scenes: Family, Marriages, and Private Life

Life in the spotlight often comes at a personal cost — and Jackie’s experiences reflect that tension. Over his lifetime he married three times:

• First to June Horne (1944–1949), with whom he had one son, John “Jack” Cooper III. 

• Then to Hildy Parks (1950–1954), a television actress and writer. 

• And finally to Barbara Rae Kraus (from 1954 until her death in 2009), with whom he had three children — Russell, Julie, and Cristina Cooper. 

Despite facing personal tragedies — including the deaths of two of his children before his own passing — Cooper remained devoted to family, and reportedly kept his children away from show business per his own wishes.

Valuing a Legacy: Net Worth, Recognition, and Enduring Impact

At the time of his death, Jackie Cooper’s estate was estimated at US$ 18 million, reflecting the decades he spent earning from acting, directing, and television production. 

But perhaps more enduring than financial measures is the legacy he left. From being the first child star of the “talkies” to navigating a full-circle career — acting as a child, leading in adult roles, directing, producing, and even influencing television programming — Cooper set a template for what longevity in Hollywood could look like. 

His contributions were also formally recognized: he has a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame (at 1507 Vine Street), honoring his impact across motion pictures.

Why Jackie Cooper Still Matters: The Quiet Power of Reinvention

Jackie Cooper’s story is one of evolution, not stagnation. Few child actors ever make the transition from early fame to dignified adulthood in Hollywood — and fewer still manage to leave a mark behind the camera. By embracing change, diversifying his talents, and continually adapting to the shifting tides of entertainment, Cooper crafted a career that stands as a blueprint for artistic reinvention.

His birthday, September 15, remains a poignant reminder of that beginning. And though he passed away on May 3, 2011, the influence of Jackie Cooper — the boy with the tear-jerker performances, the teenage heartthrob, the television lead, the Emmy-winning director, and the gruff-voiced editor Perry White — endures in Hollywood lore.