logo
Getty Images
Getty Images

Gary Cooper's Daughter Maria Remembers Late Father as Kind and Wonderful in a Candid Interview

Rebelander Basilan
Mar 14, 2021
12:20 A.M.

Gary Cooper was a rare exception to Hollywood's rule that actors' personal lives should match their on-screen personas, as his daughter Maria Cooper Janis noted in an interview.

Advertisement

Before classes ended every day, Maria Cooper Janis would sometimes clamber through the bushes separating Marymount High School from the Bel-Air Golf Club.

In an interview with Closer Weekly, Maria described their time spent together as "coordinated." At the fourth hole or the fifth hole, she said she would meet up with her parents and hit a few golf balls.

Gary Cooper in a publicity still for the film "Fighting Caravans" in 1931. | Photo: Getty Images

Gary Cooper in a publicity still for the film "Fighting Caravans" in 1931. | Photo: Getty Images

When describing her father, Maria said, "He was a decent, kind, honest, loyal man who treated women with respect." She remarked that her childhood was full of "wonderful" memories.

Maria is Cooper's only child from Veronica "Rocky" Balfe, a socialite in her own right. According to her, she had gone everywhere with her parents. The 83-year-old recalled:

Advertisement

"It was the three Coopers. I was given tennis lessons very early on but they took lessons, too. We would all play."

Maria Cooper Janis at Film Forum on October 12, 2015 in New York City. | Photo: Getty Images

Maria Cooper Janis at Film Forum on October 12, 2015 in New York City. | Photo: Getty Images

Rocky was the one who organized all kinds of weekend activities like fishing expeditions. Maria said her father spent part of his childhood in Montana and was passionate about nature.

Cooper and Rocky enjoyed entertaining at home in the evenings. Meanwhile, one of the things Mary remembered about the Academy Award winner was he did not like egotistical people.

A recurring illness, lung cancer included, afflicted him late in his life.

Gary Cooper and Veronica Balfe in circa 1933. | Photo: Getty Images

Gary Cooper and Veronica Balfe in circa 1933. | Photo: Getty Images

Advertisement

Whether as an inspirational figure like Longfellow Deeds or as a real-life personal hero such as Alvin York, Cooper's humble, not-all-about-me attitude appealed to viewers.

In the process, Cooper managed to restore the dwindling fortunes of Paramount Pictures during the Depression. And his career's pinnacle was to become the highest-paid American.

Cooper embodied all these traits and more. But, he also can be credited with one more attribute. He had a spiritual conversion after a period of uncertainty in his life.

Gary Cooper and Veronica Balfe arriving at a preview of director WS Van Dyke's film, "Rosalie," in 1938. | Photo: Getty Images

Gary Cooper and Veronica Balfe arriving at a preview of director WS Van Dyke's film, "Rosalie," in 1938. | Photo: Getty Images

The actor witnessed it as a life-changing experience. Even though so many reports suggest otherwise, Cooper's participation in religion was not a consequence of illness.

Advertisement

The interview with Maria in 2013 indicates that her father makes this decision on his own, on his own time, as the actor assembles bits and pieces of his own life.

Gary Cooper and Veronica Balfe in Los Angeles, California in 1955. | Photo: Getty Images

Gary Cooper and Veronica Balfe in Los Angeles, California in 1955. | Photo: Getty Images

Cooper made over 100 movies during his career. A recurring illness, lung cancer included, afflicted him late in his life. Despite concealing information, the public was made aware of it in April 1961.

In that time, Jimmy Stewart accepted the Academy Award for lifetime achievement on behalf of his sick friend Cooper. A month later, after his 60th birthday, Cooper passed away.

Advertisement
info
Please fill in your e-mail so we can share with you our top stories!
By subscribing, you agree to our Privacy Policy
Advertisement
Related posts

Bradley Cooper Continues to Co-parent His 6-Year-Old Daughter, Living His Dream of Fatherhood

December 14, 2023

Bradley Cooper Shows His 6-Year-Old Daughter in a Leopard-Print Dress & Wearing Lipstick

December 14, 2023

Inside Anderson Cooper's Converted Firehouse Home Where He Lives with Kids He Shares with His Ex

December 24, 2023

Every Day Little Boy Comes Home from School in Tears until His Father Shows up in His Classroom – Story of the Day

February 02, 2024

Gary Sinise’s Wife’s Cancer Diagnosis Coincided with Their Son’s — Her Story of Strength and Resilience

February 28, 2024

Patrick Dempsey Left His 54-Year-Old Wife, Soon Tied Knot with His Fan — First Marriage He Initially Kept Secret

January 30, 2024

My Boss Made Me Dance for a Rich Man, It Turned Out That I Already Knew Him – Story of the Day

December 18, 2023

Bradley Cooper’s 6-Year-Old Daughter Draws Attention for Her Appearance in Resurfaced Photo

March 05, 2024

Bradley Cooper’s 6-Year-Old Daughter Draws Attention for Her Appearance in Resurfaced Photo

February 29, 2024

Susan Lucci's Grandson, Who Couldn't Stand & Walk for Years, Grew into a Ginger Boy with Her Eyes – Photos

January 31, 2024

Whitney Houston Didn’t Speak to Mom for Months — Grieving Lady Shed Light on Their Relationship

December 15, 2023

Olivia Williams Manning Is Archie Manning's Wife Who Once Became Homecoming Queen

November 10, 2023

This Famous Boy’s ‘Clock Stopped’ When His Dad Died Yet at 52, His Life Began with the Birth of His 1st Son

November 30, 2023

Gordon Ramsay's 1-Month-Old Son Is 'Literally Another Gordon' with Blond Hair & 'Daddy's Eyes': Photo

December 14, 2023