Gary Cooper, known as Hollywood’s beloved “good guy,” had a darker history that few know about. Behind his seductive stare, this cowboy struggled to rein in his playboy ways, always succumbing to his forbidden desires. Get ready for a story filled with danger, heartbreak, and unbelievable pain.
Key Takeaways
- A Born Cowboy
- Rough Around The Edges
- A Terrible Accident
- An Artist at Heart
- Meeting an Important Friend
- Witnessing Hollywood’s Dark Side
- Star Potential
- Falling for His Co-Star
- Changing Directions
- A New Beginning
- A Fairytale Family
- Missed Opportunities
- Struggles and Affairs
- A Troubled Ending
- Lasting Friendships
- A Tragic Fate
- A Hollywood Legend
A Born Cowboy
Gary Cooper, originally Frank James Cooper, was born on May 7, 1901. Raised on a ranch in Montana, young Cooper was already making his way to Hollywood. Life on the ranch equipped him with skills like horseback riding, which would play a significant role in his future career. However, his mother had different dreams for her sons.
Rough Around The Edges
Cooper’s mother, Alice, believed her sons needed a proper education. Determined to raise them right, she sent them to England for schooling. But the formalities of school didn’t quite suit Cooper’s free-wheeling personality. By 1912, he left England behind and returned home, only to face unforeseen tragedy.
A Terrible Accident
At the age of 15, Cooper was involved in a car accident that left him with a severe hip injury. Shockingly, his doctor prescribed horseback riding as a method of recovery, despite the damage it caused. Little did anyone know that this misguided advice would contribute to Cooper’s signature walk and beloved on-screen traits.
An Artist at Heart
Before becoming a Hollywood leading man, Cooper had a creative calling as an artist. He dreamed of becoming a painter and sold his cartoons to newspapers. It wasn’t until his family moved to Los Angeles that he got his first taste of drama, setting him on a new path of success.
Meeting an Important Friend
In LA, Cooper’s friends introduced him to the world of film extras and stuntmen. Among them was a rodeo champion named Jay “Slim” Talbot, who became Cooper’s most loyal stuntman. Through Slim, Cooper met a casting director, which marked the beginning of his rise to stardom.
Witnessing Hollywood’s Dark Side
As Cooper worked as a stuntman in silent pictures, he experienced the dark side of the industry. The work was tough and cruel, often endangering horses and riders. Cooper yearned for a way out, and that opportunity came when he changed his name and transitioned into acting.
Star Potential
In 1926, Cooper’s breakthrough came with his role in “The Winning of Barbara Worth,” earning him critical acclaim. This success secured him a long-term contract with Paramount Pictures. The wheels of his career began to turn, promising a future brighter than he could have ever imagined.
Falling for His Co-Star
Cooper’s rise to stardom was aided by Clara Bow, a prominent actress of the time. She played a significant role in his breakthrough film, “Children of Divorce.” Behind the scenes, a romance blossomed between them. However, their love story was short-lived as they faced the transition from silent films to “talkies.”
Changing Directions
Cooper’s romantic escapades didn’t stop there. He became infamous for his string of affairs with Hollywood’s most alluring actresses, including Marlene Dietrich and Carole Lombard. His reputation as a womanizer grew, overshadowing his talent and on-screen success.
A New Beginning
After years of tumultuous relationships, Cooper found stability when he met Veronica Balfe. Unlike his previous conquests, Balfe was not part of the Hollywood scene. They shared common interests and found solace in outdoor activities. Balfe provided the stability Cooper had been searching for.
A Fairytale Family
In 1933, Cooper married Balfe in a private ceremony. They started a family together and welcomed their daughter, Maria Veronica Cooper, in 1937. Cooper embraced fatherhood, indulging in outdoor adventures with his family.
Missed Opportunities
Cooper’s career was filled with success, but he also had his share of missed opportunities. He turned down the role of Rhett Butler in “Gone With The Wind,” believing the film would be a flop. His prediction couldn’t be further from the truth, and Clark Gable, who took the role, proved him wrong.
Struggles and Affairs
While Cooper’s personal life seemed to stabilize, his infidelity reared its head again. He had an affair with Ingrid Bergman during the filming of “For Whom the Bell Tolls.” The passionate on-screen chemistry spilled over into their off-screen relationship, causing turmoil in Cooper’s already fragile marriage.
A Troubled Ending
Cooper’s personal life took a toll on his health in the 1950s. He struggled with ulcers, hernias, and depression. Despite his health battles, Cooper remained a Hollywood icon and continued to work on his craft.
Lasting Friendships
Cooper formed a close and unusual friendship with Ernest Hemingway. Despite their contrasting personalities, they bonded over shared interests like hunting and fishing. Their friendship spanned two decades, with both men meeting tragic ends—one succumbing to cancer, and the other taking his own life.
A Tragic Fate
In 1960, Cooper was diagnosed with prostate cancer, which had already spread to his colon. Despite multiple surgeries, his health continued to decline. Cooper spent his final days in the company of his family, unaware of the severity of his condition.
A Hollywood Legend
On May 13, 1961, Gary Cooper passed away, leaving behind a legacy of memorable performances and a reputation as one of Hollywood’s greatest leading men. Despite his personal struggles and scandals, Cooper will forever be remembered as a talented actor who captured the hearts of audiences worldwide.
Gary Cooper’s life was a whirlwind of romance, triumphs, and personal battles. He experienced the heights of fame and the depths of despair, but his talent and charisma made him a Hollywood legend.
