Jackie Coogan

Jackie Coogan was the first major Hollywood child star, known for his role as the sad-eyed waif in The Kid (1921) and similar movies.

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Profession :

TV Actor

Birthday :

October 26, 1914

Death Date:

March 01, 1984

Age :

69

Jackie Coogan, born on October 26, 1914, in Los Angeles, California, was an American actor and comedian who gained prominence as a child star during the silent film era. He is best known for his role as the sad-eyed waif in “The Kid” (1921), directed by Charlie Chaplin. Coogan’s career spanned decades, featuring in numerous films and television series, including his portrayal of Uncle Fester in “The Addams Family” TV series and notable roles in “Oliver Twist,” “Tom Sawyer,” “Peck’s Bad Boy,” and “Long Live the King.”

Coogan served in the United States Army Air Forces during World War II and was a lifelong supporter of Democratic causes and candidates, campaigning for Franklin D. Roosevelt’s re-election in the 1940s and later supporting Adlai Stevenson and John F. Kennedy. He was also an advocate for animal welfare, receiving recognition from the ASPCA for his work in the field, and an accomplished tennis player who frequently participated in charity tournaments.

Jackie Coogan passed away on March 1, 1984, in Santa Monica, California, at the age of 69 due to a heart attack. Despite his success, Coogan is also remembered for his legal battles to reclaim his earnings as a child star, which led to groundbreaking legislation protecting child actors and their earnings. As the first major Hollywood child star, Coogan’s rise to fame in the silent-film era remains an interesting aspect of his life.