Chris Cooper

Chris practiced ballet during his college years at Stephens in Columbia.

Chris has been nominated for seven SAG awards. In 2000 he won Outstanding Performance by a Cast and was nominated for Outstanding Performance by a Male Actor in a Supporting Role for American Beauty. In 2003 he was nominated for Outstanding Performance by a Cast and Outstanding Performance by a Male Actor in a Supporting Role for Adaptation. In 2004 he was nominated for Outstanding Performance by a Cast and Outstanding Performance by a Male Actor in a Supporting Role for Seabiscuit. In 2006 he was nominated for Outstanding Performance by a Cast for Capote.

In 2003 Chris won a Golden Globe for Best Performance by an Actor in a Supporting Role in a Motion Picture for Adaptation.

Chris was nominated for an Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Miniseries or a Movie Emmy in 2003 for My House in Umbria.

Chris is a Democrat.

Chris worked in theatre productions for 15 years before ever starring in a film. He credits his theatre background in helping hone his acting techniques.

When he was younger, Chris worked with his father raising registered Hereford cattle in Kansas.

Chris attended Stephens College and University of Missouri. He double-majored in Agriculture and Drama.

While in college, Chris worked as a set designer at local theatres. At the right place at the right time, he ended up getting some bit-parts in small productions.

Ryan Phillippe, Chris' co-star in Breach said, "I think that Chris Cooper is, if not the best, then one of the best actors working today."

In order to prep for his role in Breach, Chris was able to speak with Eric O'Neill (who was played by Ryan Phillippe) in the movie. He was not permitted to speak with Robert Hanssen, who is still serving his life sentence.

After he graduated from college, Chris moved to New York City to pursue a career in acting.

Chris' mother, Mary Ann, was a homemaker, and his father, Charles, served as a doctor in the United States Air Force and operated a cattle ranch. His older brother Chuck is a cowboy.

Chris graduated from Southwest High School in 1969.

Chris' son with wife Marrianne, Jesse, died on January 2005 from Cerebral Palsy. He was 17 years old.