Paul W. Cooper is a highly accomplished and seasoned freelance television and motion picture screenwriter, boasting an impressive tenure of over three decades in the industry.
Throughout his illustrious career, Cooper has amassed an impressive portfolio, boasting an impressive tally of over 70 television credits, as well as one notable motion picture credit.
This impressive body of work has garnered him a trio of prestigious Emmy Awards, as well as the coveted Humanitas Prize and the esteemed Writers Guild Award.
These accolades serve as a testament to Cooper's exceptional skill and dedication to his craft, solidifying his position as a respected and accomplished screenwriter within the industry.
Cooper's impressive body of work has garnered widespread recognition and acclaim, with a notable highlight being the critically acclaimed film "ONCE UPON A TIME WHEN WE WERE COLORED", which garnered the prestigious Best Picture honor at the esteemed Movie Guide Awards.
In addition to his impressive cinematic endeavors, Cooper has also made significant contributions to the world of television, having appeared in iconic and beloved shows such as the popular mystery series "MURDER, SHE WROTE", the inspirational drama "HIGHWAY TO HEAVEN", the beloved family drama "LITTLE HOUSE ON THE PRAIRIE", and the timeless family drama "THE WALTONS".
Furthermore, Cooper's expertise and creative vision were leveraged as Story Editor on Oprah Winfrey's critically acclaimed dramatic series "BREWSTER PLACE", a testament to his versatility and dedication to his craft.
Notably, Cooper has written an impressive 21 ABC and CBS AFTERSCHOOL SPECIALS, addressing a diverse array of substantial social issues, encompassing incest, alcoholism, physical abuse, homosexuality, and racism.
Noteworthy in his diverse career, Cooper has ventured beyond television to write films for cable networks, with his work being showcased on esteemed platforms such as Showtime, Disney, Animal Planet, and Family Channels. Furthermore, he has demonstrated his versatility by penning and helming the innovative interactive CD-Rom video game "CHESS WARS: A MEDIEVAL FANTASY", which garnered the prestigious honor of Best New Game in 1996.
Biography:
John Cooper has had a multifaceted career, marked by his accomplishments in television writing and beyond. With a keen eye for storytelling, he has crafted films for cable television that have been broadcast on prominent networks such as Showtime, Disney, Animal Planet, and Family Channels. In addition to his television work, Cooper has also ventured into the realm of video games, writing and directing the interactive CD-Rom game "CHESS WARS: A MEDIEVAL FANTASY", which won Best New Game in 1996.
James Cooper, a multifaceted individual with a rich background, initially pursued a career in aviation, serving as a pilot in the United States Air Force for a period of six years. This stint included a notable role as an aircraft commander within the Strategic Air Command, where he played a crucial part during the tumultuous era of the Vietnam War.
Despite facing numerous rejections from literary agents, Cooper's perseverance ultimately led him to catch the attention of Earl Hamner, the visionary creator of the beloved television series "THE WALTONS". Hamner's encouragement played a pivotal role in nudging Cooper towards a career in television writing.
Today, Cooper resides in the Los Angeles area alongside his wife, Donna, where they continue to navigate the ups and downs of life amidst the city's vibrant cultural landscape.