Odd, just saw him as a child in a movie yesterday on TCM and was wondering what his status was.
A favorite from my childhood and early 1970s “ABC Movie of the Week” series. I think it was “The Day The Earth Moved”. Not to mention a great “Perry White”.
I just loved Jackie Cooper on the “Little Rascals”.
Also enjoyed “The Peoples Choice”.Cleo the talking dog was a crack up.Guess that’s where I saw my first Basset Hound ever.
Cutest of all the Little Rascals.
Was he the child actor that sued his parents for the loss of his earnings? I know it was one of the little rascals.
Just saw him the other day in a “Murder She Wrote” episode. I didn’t realize he was still alive. RIP Mr. Cooper and thank you for your military service.
RIP.
Served with the Navy in the South Pacific toward the end of World War II. Then, quietly and without publicity or fanfare, compiled one of the most distinguished peacetime military careers of anyone in his profession. In 1961, as his weekly TV series "Hennesey" was enhancing naval recruiting efforts, accepted a commission as a line officer in the Naval Reserve with duties in recruitment, training films and public relations. Holder of a multi-engine pilot license, he later co-piloted jet planes for the Navy, which made him an Honorary Aviator authorized to wear wings of gold--at the time only the third so honored in naval aviation history. By 1976 had attained the rank of Captain, and was in uniform aboard the carrier USS Constellation for the Bicentennial celebration on July 4. In 1980 the Navy proposed a period of active duty at the Pentagon which would have resulted in a promotion to Rear Admiral, bringing him even with Air Force Reserve Brigadier General James Stewart. Fresh on the heels of a second directing Emmy, he felt his absence would impact achieving a long-held goal of directing motion pictures, and reluctantly declined. (The opportunity in films never materialized.) Holds Letters of Commendation from six Secretaries of the Navy. Was honorary chairman of the US Navy Memorial Foundation and a charter member of VIVA, the effort to return POW-MIAs from Vietnam. Upon retirement in 1982 was decorated with the Legion of Merit by Navy Secretary John Lehman. Other than Stewart, no performer in his industry has achieved a higher uniformed rank in the US military. (Glenn Ford was also a Naval Reserve Captain, and director and Captain John Ford was awarded honorary flag rank upon his 1951 retirement from the Naval Reserve.)
ping
Don’t call me Chief!