Ralph Cooper facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Ralph Cooper
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Cooper in The Duke Is Tops, 1938
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| Born | January 16, 1908 Harlem, New York City, U.S.
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| Died | August 4, 1992 (aged 84) New York City, U.S.
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| Resting place | Woodlawn Cemetery, Bronx, New York |
| Nationality | American |
| Other names |
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| Education | New York University (attended) |
| Occupation |
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| Years active | 1927–1992 |
| Known for | Founder of the Apollo Theater's Amateur Night (1935) |
| Spouse(s) |
Elizabeth (Betti Mays) Cooper
(m. 1945) |
| Children | 2 |
Ralph Cooper (born January 16, 1908 – died August 4, 1992) was an American actor, writer, and dancer. He was also a choreographer, which means he created dance routines.
Ralph Cooper is most famous for starting and hosting the "Amateur Night" at the Apollo Theater in Harlem, New York City. This popular show began in 1935. He also worked on ten movies, where he wrote, produced, directed, and acted. Some of his films include The Duke Is Tops, Dark Manhattan, and Gang War. Because he was very handsome and stylish, people called him "Dark Gable" in the 1930s.
Contents
Ralph Cooper's Early Life and Career
Ralph Cooper was born in Harlem, New York City, on January 16, 1908. As a young man, he worked as a dancer in clubs in downtown New York. He also attended New York University, where he planned to study medicine and become a doctor.
In July 1935, Cooper started the famous "Amateur Night" at the Apollo Theater. This show quickly became a weekly event, happening every Wednesday night. It gave many new performers a chance to show their talents.
Making Movies for Black Audiences
In 1937, Ralph Cooper teamed up with another Black actor, George Randol, to create Cooper-Randol Productions. Soon after, he formed Million Dollar Productions with white producers Harry and Leo Popkin. These companies made "race films". These were movies made for Black audiences, often starring Black actors.
Cooper frequently acted in, wrote, produced, and directed these films. Million Dollar Productions helped make Black filmmaking more popular. It improved its reputation and attracted many viewers.
Later Years and Legacy
The Apollo Theater closed for a time in the mid-1970s. However, the "Amateur Night" contest started again in 1985 after the theater was renovated. Ralph Cooper returned as the host, or master of ceremonies, for the show.
In late 1986, Cooper became sick with cancer and was hospitalized. His son, Ralph Cooper II, then took over hosting the show. Ralph Cooper passed away from cancer on August 4, 1992. He was buried in Woodlawn Cemetery in The Bronx, New York City.
Ralph Cooper's work helped open doors for many Black artists. His "Amateur Night" at the Apollo Theater is still a very important part of entertainment history.
Images for kids
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Cooper in The Duke Is Tops, 1938
See also
In Spanish: Ralph Cooper (actor) para niños
