Born: September 30, 1933 – Died: February 24, 2020
Born on September 30, 1933, in Hartford, Connecticut, Ben Cooper was a charismatic actor known for his transition from child roles to juvenile leads in the entertainment industry. He started his career at a young age, making his stage debut in Broadway's "Life With Father" at just nine years old. During the late 1940s and early 1950s, he lent his voice to radio soap operas and later pursued a degree from Columbia University. While he initially had bit parts in films, his breakthrough came when he portrayed Turkey Ralston in a cult western. Despite his penchant for western roles, Ben Cooper left an enduring mark on the entertainment world.
Early Life and Career
Ben Cooper's early life was marked by his childhood passion for the stage. He made his stage debut at just nine years old in the Broadway production of "Life With Father." His upbringing was influenced by his dedication to acting from a young age. Later, he pursued higher education at Columbia University, adding academic credentials to his budding career.
Ben Cooper's journey in the entertainment industry began with small bit parts in films during the 1950s. However, it was his role as Turkey Ralston in a cult western that marked his breakthrough. This role opened doors to a successful career in Hollywood, and he became recognized for his work in westerns.
Throughout his career, Ben Cooper received several accolades, including a Golden Boot Award in 2005 for his contributions to the western genre. His impact on Hollywood is undeniable, with his charismatic presence and versatile acting skills leaving a lasting impression on audiences.
In his personal life, Ben Cooper was married to Pamela Raymond from May 3, 1960, until her death on August 30, 2008. He also ventured into political activities, campaigning for the Republican ticket of Barry Goldwater and William E. Miller in 1964.
Ben Cooper's legacy in the entertainment industry is defined by his dedication to western roles, his ability to capture the hearts of viewers, and his enduring contributions to film and television. His name remains associated with the charm and charisma of classic Hollywood cinema.
Filmography
| Year | Title | Role |
|---|---|---|
| 1995 | Kung Fu: The Legend Continues (TV Series) | Sheriff Dowd |
| 1994 | Lightning Jack | Shopkeeper in Bank |
| 1987 | The Story of Book One (Video) | Unknown |
| 1986 | L.A. Law (TV Series) | J. Howard Tucker |
| 1986 | Knots Landing (TV Series) | Bureaucrat |
| 1984–1985 | 1st & Ten (TV Series) | Paul Barrow |
| 1985 | Dallas (TV Series) | Mr. Parrish |
| 1984 | Who's the Boss? (TV Series) | The Manager |
| 1981–1983 | The Fall Guy (TV Series) | Director |
| 1979–1980 | The Misadventures of Sheriff Lobo (TV Series) | Waverly |
| 1979 | B.J. and the Bear (TV Series) | Waverly |
| 1975 | The Magical World of Disney (TV Series) | Hank |
| 1975 | The Sky's the Limit | Hank |
| 1974 | Lucas Tanner (TV Series) | Ben Steward |
| 1974 | Kung Fu (TV Series) | Goodnight |
| 1971 | Room 222 (TV Series) | Roy Hemmings |
| 1971 | Funny Face (TV Series) | Lawyer |
| 1971 | Support Your Local Gunfighter | Colorado |
| 1971 | One More Train to Rob | First Deputy |
| 1969–1970 | Mannix (TV Series) | Frank | Pete Joplin |
| 1970 | The Virginian (TV Series) | Jason |
| 1970 | Adam-12 (TV Series) | Officer Brinkman |
| 1970 | Marcus Welby, M.D. (TV Series) | Larry Adams |
| 1969 | Death Valley Days (TV Series) | Jason Tugwell |
| 1969 | It Takes a Thief (TV Series) | Capt. Maxwell |
| 1969 | The Outsider (TV Series) | Fred Rhodes |
| 1968 | Premiere (TV Series) | Arleigh Marley |
| 1967 | The Fastest Guitar Alive | Rink |
| 1967 | Red Tomahawk | Lt. Drake |
| 1966 | The Time Tunnel (TV Series) | Nazarro |
| 1966 | Waco | Scotty Moore |
| 1961–1965 | Perry Mason (TV Series) | Lowell Rupert | Jasper | James Grove ... |
| 1963–1965 | Combat! (TV Series) | Willy Kleve | Cpl. John Cross |
| 1965 | Arizona Raiders | Willie Martin |
| 1961–1965 | Gunsmoke (TV Series) | Breck | Breck Taylor | Pitt |
| 1965 | Kraft Suspense Theatre (TV Series) | Sam Grayson |
| 1964 | Rawhide (TV Series) | Clell Miller |
| 1964 | The Littlest Hobo (TV Series) | Unknown |
| 1963 | The Raiders | Tom King |
| 1963 | Gunfight at Comanche Creek | Carter |
| 1962 | Laramie (TV Series) | Johnny Hartley | Sandy Catlin |
| 1962 | Window on Main Street (TV Series) | Mark Perry |
| 1961 | Adventures in Paradise (TV Series) | Doug Forsythe |
| 1960–1961 | Bonanza (TV Series) | Johnny Lightly | Sam Kirby |
| 1961 | The Twilight Zone (TV Series) | Dauger |
| 1961 | The Americans (TV Series) | Ward Roberts |
| 1961 | The Rifleman (TV Series) | Simon Lee |
| 1960 | Chartroose Caboose | Dub Dawson |
| 1960 | The Westerner (TV Series) | Cal Davis |
| 1960 | Stagecoach West (TV Series) | Jeremy Boone |
| 1960 | The Best of the Post (TV Series) | Lt. Cohill |
| 1956–1960 | Zane Grey Theatre (TV Series) | Sandy | Darryl Thompson | Sam Duskin Jr. ... |
| 1959–1960 | Wagon Train (TV Series) | Tom Tuckett | Steve Campden II |
| 1960 | Johnny Ringo (TV Series) | Mike Reno |
| 1959 | Wichita Town (TV Series) | Tom Warren |
| 1959 | Tales of Wells Fargo (TV Series) | Matthew Land |
| 1959 | One Step Beyond (TV Series) | Ronnie Watson |
| 1959 | Playhouse 90 (TV Series) | Interne |
| 1959 | The Millionaire (TV Series) | William Williams |
| 1956–1957 | Matinee Theatre (TV Series) | Gavin Dishart |
| 1957 | Outlaw's Son | Jeff Blaine |
| 1957 | Duel at Apache Wells | Johnny Shattuck |
| 1955–1956 | Schlitz Playhouse (TV Series) | Joe Santorelli | Lt. Charles Baker |
| 1956 | Rebel in Town | Gray Mason |
| 1956 | A Strange Adventure | Harold Norton |
| 1955 | The Fighting Chance | Mike Gargan |
| 1955 | The Rose Tattoo | Seaman Jack Hunter |
| 1955 | Headline Hunters | David Flynn |
| 1955 | The Last Command | Jeb Lacey |
| 1955 | The Eternal Sea | Seaman P.J. 'Zuggy' Zugbaum |
| 1955 | Crusade for Freedom (TV Short) | Benjamin Franklin |
| 1954 | Hell's Outpost | Alec Bacchione |
| 1954 | The Choir Minister of Leipzig (TV Movie) | Johann Sebastian Bach |
| 1954 | The Outcast | The Kid |
| 1954 | Johnny Guitar | Turkey Ralston |
| 1953 | Flight Nurse | Pfc. Marvin Judd |
| 1953 | Sea of Lost Ships | 3rd Plane Crewman |
| 1953 | A Perilous Journey | Sam |
| 1953 | Woman They Almost Lynched | Jesse James |
| 1953 | The Web (TV Series) | Unknown |
| 1952 | Thunderbirds | Calvin Jones |
| 1951–1952 | Armstrong Circle Theatre (TV Series) | Unknown |
| 1951 | Fireside Theatre (TV Series) | Unknown |
| 1950 | Suspense (TV Series) | Michael | Jerry |
| 1950 | Rocky King, Detective (TV Series) | Unknown |
| 1949 | Side Street | Young Man at Cleaners (uncredited) |