George Frederick Cooper, a prominent figure in the world of entertainment, embarked on his life's journey in Hamilton, Ontario, where he spent his formative years at Prince of Wales School, laying the foundation for his future endeavors. Subsequently, he enrolled at Central Collegiate, further honing his skills and shaping his character.
Initially, Cooper's path diverged from the traditional route, as he opted to pursue a career in law enforcement, taking on the role of a police cadet. However, he eventually made the bold decision to trade in his badge for a script, and thus began his foray into the world of acting.
Cooper's acting career gained momentum as he secured a spot on the esteemed CBC in Toronto, where he honed his craft and gained valuable experience. As his star continued to rise, he made the bold move to Hollywood, where he landed coveted contracts with Warner Bros and Universal Studios in the early 1960s, marking a pivotal moment in his illustrious career.
Person Biography:
George Frederick Cooper
Born: Hamilton, Ontario
Education: Prince of Wales School, Central Collegiate
Career: Police Cadet, Actor
Notable Work: CBC, Warner Bros, Universal Studios
Noted actor Cooper's nascent film career saw him make notable appearances in a trio of early releases, including the 1966 western "Duel at Diablo", where he shared the screen with the esteemed Garner and Poitier, as well as the 1968 drama "The Impossible Years", which boasted the accomplished Niven. Additionally, he played a role in the 1967 film "The Born Losers", a precursor to the Billy Jack franchise.
Noted thespian Cooper embarked on a remarkable cinematic journey, traversing the European and Egyptian film landscapes, where he had the privilege of sharing the screen with esteemed actors of his time, including the incomparable David Carradine and the venerable Christopher Lee, in the action-packed martial arts feature "Circle of Iron". This film, initially penned by the legendary Bruce Lee, was originally intended to star the martial arts icon himself, prior to his tragic and untimely passing.
Notwithstanding his aspiration to expand his professional horizons, Cooper embarked on an alternative career path by obtaining a real estate license, though this endeavor ultimately proved fruitless, as he failed to close a single property deal. Subsequently, Cooper's fortunes took an unexpected turn when he secured the coveted role of Dr. Simon Ellby on the widely acclaimed television series "Dallas". Following his return to Hamilton in 1995 to attend to his ailing mother's health, Cooper largely retreated from the entertainment industry, marking a significant decline in his public presence.
As he entered the twilight of his life, he discovered a newfound enthusiasm for plucking the strings of his guitar, allowing the soothing melodies to wash over him as he strolled through the serene landscapes of nature, taking in the sights and sounds of the world around him. He also found solace in the rigorous physical activity of working out at the downtown YMCA, where he could push his body to its limits and feel a sense of accomplishment as he improved his overall health and well-being.
In addition to these pursuits, he was an avid reader, devouring books of all genres and subjects, and expanding his mind and broadening his perspective on the world. His love of reading was a testament to his insatiable curiosity and his desire to learn and grow throughout his life.
As the years went by, he continued to thrive, both physically and mentally, until the day he passed away at the ripe old age of 82. Despite his passing, his legacy lived on, a testament to his incredible talent and dedication to his craft. He had spent decades lighting up the silver screen, captivating audiences with his performances, and leaving an indelible mark on the world of Hollywood and beyond.
