The 4 Roles That Defined Gary Cooper's Career

Gary Cooper started off as an extra, but his handsome looks and good horsemanship made studios take notice. Once that happened, he landed his first starting role. Looking back now, he is one of the most beloved actors in Hollywood history. Here are four roles that defined his legacy.

1. Abe Lee, "The Winning of Barbara Worth" (1926)

Cooper's first credited role was in this silent film. After playing bit parts for several years, he played Abe Lee, the beloved of Barbara and foreman of her father's ranch. When a rich developer shares plans to irrigate the land, he also brings his foster son, Willard, who is attracted to Barbara. A rivalry between Abe and Willard erupts while the crooked developer builds a slipshod dam that threatens to flood the plains.

2. Longfellow Deeds, "Mr. Deeds Goes to Town" (1936)

In this Frank Capra film, Gary Cooper landed the lead role and an Academy Award nomination.

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He played the small-town fellow Longfellow Deeds who enjoys a simple life until a relative's death leaves him wealthy. Deeds moves to a big city where he is a constant target of seedy characters wanting a piece of his riches. Reporter Babe Bennett, played by Jean Arthur, wants his story and gains his attention with a damsel in distress ploy.

The comedy-drama was a national hit.

3. Alvin York, "Sergeant York" (1941)

In the role that won his first Oscar, Cooper played Alvin York, a pacifist drafted into World War I. Based on a true story, York became a national hero by capturing 132 German prisoners of war who were frightened by his sniper capabilities. The movie documented York's way of life before he was drafted and how he performed admirably in battle despite his conscientious objector status — a source of much grief for him in the foxholes. He returns home and while he remained conflicted, the movie concludes with a big happy ending. 

4. Marshal Will Kane, "High Noon" (1952)

Cooper played Marshal Will Kane, who learns the notorious criminal, Frank Miller, seeks revenge for the arrest that placed him in jail years earlier. Town residents had no interest in helping Kane and left him to his own devices. Despite plans to leave town to start a new life with his new bride, Kane confronted Miller and his gang in one final act of law enforcement.

This role won him further acclaim and his second Oscar.

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