In “The Sopranos,” anti-hero and protagonist Tony Soprano famously asks “whatever happened to Gary Cooper?” to lament the loss of that “strong, silent”, non-emotional American archetype.
Well, what ultimately happened was Cooper — the two-time Academy Award-winning actor beloved by the masses for his representation of the ideal American hero in movies released during Hollywood’s Golden Age — passed away when he was 60 years old in 1961, yet his legacy clearly remains particularly strong in our little corner of the world here in the Hamptons. In fact, Cooper frequented Southampton for decades with his family over the course of his life and is buried in the Sacred Hearts of Jesus & Mary Roman Catholic Cemetery on County Road 39. For that reason (and the fact that he wasIn honor of the screen legend’s birthday, which is May 7, Southampton Village mayor Bill Manger recently declared the date as Gary Cooper Day.
“Gary Cooper was not only one of the most iconic figures in American cinema, but also someone who shared a genuine and longstanding connection with Southampton Village,” Manger says in a press statement. “He spent meaningful time here, drawn to the character and natural beauty of our community, and in doing so became part of its history. Establishing ‘Gary Cooper Day’ is a way for us to recognize both his extraordinary contributions to film and his personal ties to our village.”
Additionally, the village will co-present, along with Southampton Playhouse (43 Hill St., 631-339-9069), the second annual Gary Cooper Film Festival, starting Friday, May 1, and continuing through Sunday, May 3, featuring screenings of the movie star’s films. The festival is slated to include “A Farewell to Arms,” “Friendly Persuasion,” “Meet John Doe,” and “The Hanging Tree.” On May 7, Southampton Village partners with the Playhouse for a commemorative paver installation at the theater, followed by a free community screening of what many consider Cooper’s most famous and iconic film, “High Noon.”
“Cooper’s filmography provides a template not only for first-rate screen acting, but the enduring power of the movies themselves,” says Southampton Playhouse artistic director Eric Kohn. “We are thrilled to welcome back the Gary Cooper Festival to not only celebrate his filmography and talent, but to honor his ties to the greater Southampton community.”
Cooper’s daughter, Maria Cooper Janis, will also be on-hand for several post-screening conversations and events.
“My father’s work has meant so much to audiences around the world,” she says. “Events like the Gary Cooper Festival keep his spirit alive in a special way, bringing together fans, historians, and new generations who are discovering his films for the first time.”
