Profile Text
Birth Name: John Cooper
Date of Birth: September 15, 1922
Place of Birth: Los Angeles, California, United States
Date of Death: May 3, 2011
Place of Death: Santa Monica, California, U.S.
Ethnicity: * father – possibly Ashkenazi Jewish * mother – Italian
Jackie Cooper was an American actor, television director, producer, and executive. A renowned actor by the age of ten, he was the first child actor to receive an Academy Award nomination. As an adult, he played Perry White in the Superman films.
Jackie was the son of Mabel/Mable Frances (Polito) Leonard Bigelow, a stage pianist, and John Cooper. His father’s surname is sometimes listed as Cooperman. It is not clear if this is accurate. His maternal aunt, mother’s sister, Julie Leonard, was an actress. Julie’s husband was director Norman Taurog. His uncle was screenwriter Jack Leonard.
Jackie’s father was born in New Jersey. Jackie’s mother was born in California. Jackie’s mother was of Italian descent. Jackie’s father left when he was a small child. Jackie’s mother’s family told him that his father was Jewish.
Jackie’s stepfather was C.J. Bigelow, a studio production manager.
Jackie was married to Barbara Rae Kraus, until his death. Barbara was Jewish. Jackie had a son with his former wife June Horne; and three children with Barbara. June was the daughter of director James W. Horne and actress Cleo Ridgely.
Jackie’s paternal grandfather was named John Cooper.
Jackie’s paternal grandmother was named Louise.
Jackie’s maternal grandfather was named John Polite/Polito/Leonard. Jackie’s grandfather John was born in New York, to Italian parents.
Jackie’s maternal grandmother was Mary/Marie Babbino (the daughter of Michael Babbino and Carlotta Vanucci/Vannucci). Mary was born in California, to Italian parents.
Sources: Genealogy of Jackie Cooper – https://www.geni.com
Birth records of Jackie Cooper – https://www.familysearch.org https://www.familysearch.org
Marriage record of Jackie’s parents – https://www.familysearch.org
Jackie’s mother on the 1920 U.S. Census – https://www.familysearch.org
Jackie’s maternal grandparents, John Polite/Polito/Leonard and Mary/Marie Babbino, on the 1900 U.S. Census – https://www.familysearch.org