America’s boy

He was one of the biggest child stars of Hollywood’s Golden Era but success almost destroyed him. Despite this, years later he would find fame behind the camera and a whole new generation of fans thanks to Superman, writes Bronwyn Phillips.

JACKIE COOPER

Marie Dressler had a problem. The veteran actress had just been named Best Actress for Min and Bill at the 1931 Oscars, but Jackie Cooper was asleep with his head on her shoulder. Gently, Marie passed the sleeping nine-year-old, nominated for Best Actor for Skippy, to his mother to accept her award. With his pug nose, crinkly smile and pouty lip, Jackie Cooper was the most in-demand child star of the 1930s. His precocious performance in Skippy as a mischievous wealthy boy who befriends a poor kid made him a star. And even though the 1931 Best Actor Oscar went to Lionel Barrymore, Jackie remains the youngest star ever to be nominated. “He was everybody’s little kid,” MGM contract player Ann Rutherford said. “There was just something about him you…

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Australian Women's Weekly Icons (Digital) - 1 Issue, 2505

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