Jackie Coogan was an American actor who is best known for his roles in The Kid, The Addams Family, and Marlowe.
Personal and Family Life
Jackie Coogan was born on October 26, 1914, in Los Angeles, California, into a family of entertainers. His father, Jack Coogan Sr., was a dancer, while his mother, Lillian Coogan, had been a child star. Throughout his life, he was married four times and had three children. His last wife was Dorothea Odetta Hanson, with whom he was married from 1952 until his death in 1984.
Career Highlights
Coogan started his acting career at a very young age and became a prominent child star thanks to his performance in Charlie Chaplin’s The Kid in 1921. However, after his father’s untimely death in 1935, Jackie faced financial troubles and legal battles over his earnings. This led to the creation of the Coogan Act, which safeguards the earnings of child actors. After serving in the Army during World War II, Coogan faced challenges in reviving his acting career, but he eventually found success in television with his role as Uncle Fester on The Addams Family.
Death and Legacy
Jackie Coogan passed away on March 1, 1984, from a heart attack in Santa Monica, California. He left behind a rich legacy as one of the first child stars of Hollywood, paving the way for future generations of young actors. His life story inspired many, particularly for his fight for children’s rights in the entertainment industry.
Filmography
| Title | Release Date | Character |
|---|---|---|
| Marlowe | 1969-09-19 | Grant W. Hicks |
| The Kid | 1921-01-21 | The Kid |
| The Shakiest Gun in the West | 1968-07-10 | Matthew Basch |
| Mesa of Lost Women | 1953-06-17 | Dr. Aranya |
| Oliver Twist | 1922-10-30 | Oliver Twist |
| The Addams Family | 1964-09-18 | Uncle Fester |
| Huckleberry Finn | 1931-08-07 | Tom Sawyer |
| High School Confidential! | 1958-05-30 | Mr. A |
| Halloween with the New Addams Family | 1977-10-30 | Uncle Fester |
| Tom Sawyer | 1930-12-19 | Tom Sawyer |