Jackie Cooper (September 15, 1922 –May 3, 2011) was an American actor. He is best known for his role of Perry White in the Christopher Reeves Superman films (1978–1987).
He with the Navy in the South Pacific toward the end of World War II and 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).
1971 • TV
1984 • TV
1959 • TV
1953 • TV
1978 • Movie
1933 • Movie
as Perry White
as Swipes McGurk
as Dink Purcell
as Jackie
as Jim Hawkins
as Rifle Edwards
as Tiny Barlow
as Perry White
as Frederick Martindale Vincent III
as Ace Morgan
as Dinky Daniels
as Scooter O'Neal
as Perry White
as Perry White
as Skippy Skinner
as Johnny Schumacher
as Kid listening to Farina (uncredited)
as Juanito
as Jackie
as William Sylvanus Baxter
Director
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Producer
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as Nelson Hayward
1 episodes
as Carl Schulman / Neil Fletcher
2 episodes
as Jonathan West / Caesar (voice)
1 episodes
2 episodes
as Dr. Alexander Southmore
1 episodes
1 episodes
as Bubbo
1 episodes
as David Domedion
1 episodes
3 episodes
as Frank Mulvaney
1 episodes
as Self
1 episodes
2 episodes
as Harlan Slade
1 episodes
1 episodes
as Self
1 episodes
as Self - Guest
1 episodes
1 episodes
as Lt. Dickson
1 episodes
as Self
2 episodes
as Dumpy Doyle
1 episodes
Director
Director
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Director
