Phillip Irwin Cooper, a multifaceted individual with a passion for the entertainment industry, embarked on a journey from the Gulf Coast of Alabama to Los Angeles, driven by his determination to find success in television shows with "Heaven" or "Angels" in their titles.
Upon arriving in LA, Cooper secured roles in several films, including Death Becomes Her, Shock'Em Dead, and Death Patrol, which not only honed his acting skills but also instilled in him a sense of resilience and perseverance.
Cooper's breakthrough came when he landed a recurring role on the popular daytime drama, Days Of Our Lives. Although his character's demise was a tragic one, occurring after a hospital explosion, Cooper's experience on the show undoubtedly prepared him for the challenges that lay ahead.
In addition to his acting endeavors, Cooper also ventured into writing and producing. He created a 17-minute film, Cousin Frank, which explores the theme of would-be angels struggling to rise from the ashes of their own personal devastation.
Cooper's passion for storytelling and his personal experiences inspired him to write a one-man show, Counting For Thunder, which he also starred in and performed for seven months. The memoir, published by Bold Strokes Books, chronicles his journey and serves as a testament to his unwavering dedication to his craft.
After years of perseverance, Cooper's hard work finally paid off when producer Marsha Oglesby, an Alabama native, agreed to adapt his play into a feature film. With John Heard and Mariette Hartley playing his parents, Cooper not only starred in the film but also directed it, bringing his vision to life.
Counting For Thunder is now available on DVD, Amazon Prime, and other streaming services, allowing audiences to experience Cooper's remarkable story and the culmination of his tireless efforts.
