Melville Cooper facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Melville Cooper
Cooper in 1940
Born	George Melville Cooper (1896-10-15)15 October 1896 Aston, Birmingham, Warwickshire, England
Died	13 March 1973(1973-03-13) (aged 76) Los Angeles, California, U.S.
Occupation	Actor
Years active	1914–1961
Spouse(s)	Gladys Grice (divorced) Rita Page (?–1954) Elizabeth Sutherland (?–1973)
Children	1

George Melville Cooper (born October 15, 1896 – died March 13, 1973) was an English actor. He was known for playing many different characters in movies. Some of his most famous roles include the High Sheriff of Nottingham in The Adventures of Robin Hood (1938). He also played Mr. Collins in Pride and Prejudice (1940). Another memorable role was Mr. Tringle in Father of the Bride (1950).

About Melville Cooper

Early Life and Start in Acting

Melville Cooper was born on October 15, 1896, in Aston, England. His parents were W.C.J. and Frances Cooper. He grew up in Britain and went to schools like King Edward's School.

As a teenager, he became very interested in acting. When he was 18, he performed on stage for the first time. This was in a play at Stratford-upon-Avon.

World War I and Return to Stage

His acting career paused when he joined the Scottish army during World War I. He was captured by Germans but was a prisoner for only a short time.

After the war, Cooper went back to acting on stage. He appeared in many plays. These included The Farmer's Wife and Journey's End.

Moving to Hollywood

In the early 1930s, Cooper started acting in movies. He was in films like Black Coffee (1931) and The Scarlet Pimpernel (1934).

In 1934, he got great reviews for his role in The Private Life of Don Juan. Because of this success, Cooper decided to move to the United States. He wanted to act in Hollywood.

Famous Movie Roles

In Hollywood, Cooper often played characters who were a bit snobby or tricky. In the 1930s, he had many memorable roles. He played M. W. Picard in The Great Garrick (1937). He was also Bingham the butler in Four's a Crowd (1938). One of his most famous roles was the cowardly Sheriff of Nottingham in The Adventures of Robin Hood (1938).

During the 1940s, Cooper continued to appear in popular movies. These included Alfred Hitchcock's Rebecca (1940). He also starred in Pride and Prejudice (1940). Other films were The Lady Eve (1941) and Random Harvest (1942). He also appeared in Harvey with James Stewart.

Later Career in Film and TV

In the 1950s, Cooper kept acting in big movies. He was in Father of the Bride (1950). He also appeared in Around the World in 80 Days (1956). This movie won an Academy Award.

Besides movies, Cooper was in many TV shows. These included Fireside Theatre (1951) and Alfred Hitchcock Presents (1957). His last TV appearance was in The Best of the Post (1961).

Final Stage Performances

Towards the end of his career, Cooper focused more on stage acting. He performed in plays like The Liar (1950). He also appeared in My Fair Lady (1956–62).

Cooper's very last acting role was in a play called Charley's Aunt. This play closed in July 1970.

Personal Life and Death

Melville Cooper was married three times. His first marriage to Gladys Grice ended in divorce. He then married actress Rita Page. They had one child together. Rita passed away in 1954. Cooper's third marriage was to Elizabeth Sutherland. They were married until he passed away.

Melville Cooper died on March 13, 1973, in Los Angeles, California. He was 76 years old.

Filmography

Radio Appearances