Learn About The 50 States
Gary Cooper (1901)close
Born Frank James Cooper in Helena, Montana, Gary Cooper was the son of a rancher. His first acting experience was while he was still in high school, and he soon starred in a series of Westerns, first in the silent movie era, and also after "talkies" became popular. He won the Oscar for Best Actor for his role in the movie Sergeant York, and was nominated for several other Oscars. In 1961 he was awarded a special career-achievement Oscar, just months before his death of cancer.
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Looking for a famous American?
This page presents short biographies of more than 200 famous Americans drawn from our unit, "The 50 States." These personalities are arranged by theme.
Just click a theme at the top of the page to view a selection list for that theme.
African Americans:
Artists:
Business Leaders:
National "Characters":
| Phineas Taylor "P.T." Barnum | Clyde Barrow | John Wilkes Booth |
| Butch Cassidy | William "Buffalo Bill" Cody | Davy Crockett |
| Jesse James | Evel Knievel | Harland David "Colonel" Sanders |
| Jefferson R. "Soapy" Smith |
Cultural Figures:
Inventors:
Pioneers and "Firsts":
Politicians & Activists:
Scientists:
Sports Figures:
Accomplished Women:
Writers & Poets: