The very handsome Gary Cooper was born on the Montana ranch of his wealthy father. Which may explain how Cooper was able to combine the ruggedness with the poise of a gentleman. Injured in an car accident while attending Wesleyan College. He rehabilitated on his fathers ranch, learning to perfect his riding skills that you would see later in his Western films.Not doing to well making a living as political cartooner, Cooper friends thought he might do well working as a cowboy extra. (1926) Agent Nan Collins, thought she could get work for Cooper. She was successful getting Cooper his first role in "The Winning of Barbara Worth". Clara Bow, was his first Hollywood love and was cast in a couple of her films.
Worked as a Yellowstone Park guide for several seasons before becoming an actor.
Pictured on one of four 25¢ US commemorative postage stamps issued 23 March (1990) honoring classic films released in (1939). The stamp featured Cooper as character Beau Geste (1939). The other films honored were Stagecoach (1939), The Wizard of Oz (1939), and Gone with the Wind(1939).
He loved dogs, he owned boxers, Dobermans,Great Danes and Sealyhams.(Breed of terrier dog)
He kept in shape with boxing, hiking, horseback riding, tennis, golf, archery, skiing, fishing, scuba diving .
Appeared in 107 movies, he starred in 82. He also starred in 14 silent movies.
He starred in a couple of movies that were based on novels written by Ernest Hemingway: A Farewell to Arms (1932) and For Whom the Bell Tolls(1943).
He turned down both Stagecoach (1939) and Gone with the Wind (1939).
He also turned down The Big Trail (1930), Stagecoach (1939) and Red River(1948). All of these were played by John Wayne.
Was considered for the role of Richard Sherman in The Seven Year Itch (1955).
James Stewart was his closest friend.
Was considered for Robert Mitchum's role in The Night of the Hunter (1955).
Pictured on a 44¢ USA commemorative postage stamp in the Legends of Hollywood series, issued September 10, (2009).
Dawn, thank you for posting such beautiful photos of Gary Cooper and such interesting fun facts. I have been a fan of Cooper ever since I was a little girl. I have seen many of his films and loved them all.
ReplyDeleteHe's so great, love him in all his roles, great screen personality. I didn't know he was considered for the seven year itch, he probably would of turned it down even if he was offered lol, Tom Ewell suited that role much more, for his added dorkiness.
ReplyDeleteThanks Dawn for joining my blog also :)