Chris Cooper is an American actor, who gained wide recognition for the portrayal of Joe Kenehan in the 1987 drama film called, Matewan. Cooper was born on July 9, 1951 in Kansas Citym Missouri. He is the sone of Mary Ann, and Charles Cooper, a homemaker and a United States Air force doctor. He was baptized with the real name of Christopher ‘Chris’ W. Cooper and has a brother named Chuck. When he was still in Kansas City, Cooper performed together with the local community theatre called, The Barn Players. In addition, Cooper entered the Stephens College, where he took ballet and also the University of Missouri where he took double major in school of Agriculture and school of Drama as well. On the other hand, after Cooper finished his studies, he relocated to New York City for him to pursue his professional career on acting. He then made his film debut in year 1987, when he appeared in the drama film called, Matewan, where he portrayed the lead role of Joe Kenehan, together with the stars of James earl Jones and Mary McDonnell as well as Will Oldham.

He then appeared as July Johnson in the TV miniseries of Lonesome Dove. Moreover, Cooper appeared in the episode of the TV series of Lifestories called, The Hawkins Family, where he portrayed the role of Mr. Hawkins. Cooper was included in the ensemble of the 1991 film of Irwin Winkler called, Guilt by Suspicion, which starred Robert De Niro, Annette Bening and George Wenddt. On the same year, he portrayed the role of Eugene debs in the TV series of Darrow. Also, Cooper was also featured as Riggs in the series show of City of Hope. Cooper portrayed as minor a small role in the 1993 film adaptation of This Boy’s Life, where he portrayed the role of Roy, together with the stars of Leonardo DiCarpio, Robert De Niro and Ellen Barkin. On the same year, he reprised the role of July Johnson in the miniseries called, Return to Lonesome Dove. In year 1998, appeared in the films of Cooper appeared in the films of Great Expectations and The Horse Whisperer, where he portrayed the roles of Joe and Frank Booker, respectively.On the other hand, Cooper starred in the 1999 drama film called, American Beauty. His portrayal on the said film earned him a Screen Actors Guild Award for the Best Supporting Actor. In year 2000, Cooper portrayed the role of Colonel Harry Burwell in the war film entitled, The Patriot, which starred Mel Gibson and Heath Ledger. His portrayal on the film garnered him a nomination for the Screen Actor Guild Award and a nomination for a BAFTA Award.

He was also included in the casts of the 2002 comedy drama film called, Adaptation, which brought him an Academy Award for the Best Supporting Actor and a Golden Globe Award. Because of his acting performance, Cooper was also included in the casts of the spy film called, The Bourne Identity, where he portrayed the role of Alexander Conklin. Moreover, his portrayal on the biographical film called, Seabiscuit, which also includes the stars of Toby Maguire and Jeff Bridges. On the following year, Cooper starred in the drama film of Silver City, where he portrayed the role of Richard ‘Dicky’ Pilager. His character on the said film, seen some similarities with the former US President George W. Bush. He then reunited with the American Beauty director, Sam Mendes, in the drama war film of Jarhead. In year 2007, Cooper appeared in the film of The Kingdom, which also includes the stars of Jamie Foxx and Jennifer Garner. He recently lent his voice for the role in the animated fantasy film of Where the Wild Things Are. On the following year, he appeared in the drama film of The Company Men, where he portrayed the role of Phil Woodward.

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