Jackie Cooper
Born in Los Angeles, California
on September 15, 1922

Jackie Cooper grew up in the cinematic showcase with Hollywood blood flowing in his veins. His father, C. J. Bigelow, was a studio production manager, while his mother, Mabel Bigelow, won prominence as a stage pianist. Jackie received his first chance at a movie career by passing a singing audition for a bit part in a movie that was to be directed by his Uncle Norman Taurog. Soon afterwards, at the age of three, he appeared in a number of educational short comedies and a few "Our Gang" features. Then, in 1929, Jackie took part in "The Fox Movietone Follies" when his mother, who was a secretary at the Fox Film Company, added his name to a list of children who were to be called for the shorts. After his appearance in a few more "Our Gang" comedies, he landed his first big role in the movie "Skippy," which reunited him with his unle, and more importantly, won him an Academy Award nomination.

-- from "Those Enduring Young Charms," by Marc Best

   Have you ever wondered how Jackie's director got him to cry in the scenes requiring tears? Read Jackie's autobiography, "Please Don't Shoot My Dog,"
(though the title pretty much gives the secret away).