Chris Cooper is a talented actor who made his name for the first time thanks to the drama American Beauty. In this film, he embodied the image of a retired military man who hides his unconventional orientation. “Adaptation”, “October Sky”, “Capote”, “Syrian”, “Identification of Bourne” are famous paintings with his participation. What can you tell about the American?
Chris Cooper: The Start
The future actor was born in the US state of Kansas, there was a joyful event in July 1951. Chris Cooper was born into the family of a military doctor and a housewife. After retirement, his father started raising livestock. Interest in dramatic art arose in the future star in childhood. Chris performed his first roles on the stage of the local theater.
After leaving school, Cooper served in the army, then became a student at Stevens College. The young man decided to continue his education at the University of Missouri, where he studied agriculture. However, the craving for creativity did not disappear, so in his student years, Chris began to play on Broadway.
First roles
Chris Cooper first appeared on the set in 1987. He made his debut in the historical drama "Witness", and played one of the key roles. The plot of the film is borrowed from real life, the picture tells about the struggle of miners for their rights. Next, the novice actor starred in the criminal action movies Money Train, Guilty on Suspicion, Time to Kill, in the series Lone Dove. The role of the sheriff went to him in the film "Lonely Star". He also starred in the biographical drama “The Life of this guy”, the Western “Horse Whisperer”, and the melodrama “Great Expectations”.
American Beauty is a drama that first brought Chris Cooper to public attention. The character of the actor was a minor hero - a retired military man. He tries to seem like an exemplary family man, hiding from those around him an unconventional sexual orientation. Of course, the truth eventually emerges. The controversial role gave Cooper not only the first fans, but also a nomination for the Screen Actors Guild award. Chris managed to consolidate his success thanks to the drama "Patriot", in which he also played a military man.
Films with his participation
Thanks to the drama “American Beauty”, Chris Cooper became a sought-after actor. Films with his participation began to be released more often. A big success for the guy from Kansas was the approval of the role of John in the comedy drama "Adaptation". This character was wanted to play by many actors. Chris managed to beat the competition due to the fact that the creators of the picture liked his vision of the role. Thanks to Adaptation, Cooper won the Oscars and Golden Globes.
Further interesting roles followed one after another. Chris starred in Bourne Identity, embodying the image of the CIA director responsible for the special operations. The actor played the same character in Bourne Supremacy. The audience was greatly impressed by his corrupt official in Silver City. Also, the public warmly received the films "Capote", "Sirian", "Marines" with his participation. Once again, Chris was nominated for the Screen Actors Guild Award for his role in the drama Favorite.
What else to see
Where else did Chris Cooper manage to star in age 65, whose photo can be seen in the article? In the thriller “Treason”, the man embodied the image of an FBI agent who betrays his own. He played a government agent in The Kingdom. The audience liked his role in the drama City of Thieves, in the film adaptation of Shakespeare's play The Tempest.
Chris continues to act in films. This year, a pleasant surprise awaits fans - the painting “Light on Broken Glass” featuring the star.
Personal life
Cooper's personal life settled in 1983. The actor of the same age was his age, Marianna Leone. Viewers can see this actress in the films The Thin Blue Line and The Glorious Guys, as well as in the series The Soprano Clan.
In 1987, Marianne and Chris became parents, their son Jesse was born. The boy was only three months old when he developed cerebral palsy. Jesse died in 2005, the cause of death was epilepsy. The loss of his son was a big blow to the star of American cinema, from which he still did not fully recover. In memory of their child, the couple created a charity fund to help sick children.
Interesting Facts
Famous namesake actors are often suspected of being related to each other. Chris Cooper did not escape this fate. Bradley Cooper is an actor who has become famous for his films “Areas of Darkness,” “All About Steve,” “Always Say“ Yes, ”“ Promising Doesn't Mean Getting Married. ” Contrary to a widespread misconception, he does not at all consist in a family relationship with Chris, they are just namesakes and do not maintain relations with each other.
In his youth, Chris often had financial problems. Once the lack of money made him work for several months at a construction site. The actor has an older brother Chuck, whose professional activity is related to the field of construction.