Jackie Cooper

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:
*mother – Italian
*father – possibly Ashkenazi Jewish

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.

Jackie was the son of Mabel/Mable Frances (Polito) Leonard Bigelow, a stage pianist, and John Cooper. 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 and 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 grandparents were named John Cooper and Louise.

His father’s surname is sometimes listed as Cooperman. It is not clear if this is accurate.

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