Tex Cooper

Tex Cooper was an American actor known for his roles in films like “Trouble in Texas,” “North of Arizona,” and “Yellow Dust.” Born as Judge Thomas Cooper in Denton, Texas, he became famous for resembling and dressing like Buffalo Bill Cody.

Personal and Family Life

Tex Cooper was born on April 21, 1876, to Wilford Cooper and Lemon Pair. He had two siblings, Walter and George Cooper. His parents were farmers who came from Bradley County, Tennessee. Tex’s family history includes his grandfather Thomas Cooper and great-grandparents Bennett and Lydia Cooper from North Carolina.

Career

Tex Cooper began his film career in 1912 with the Lubin Film Company in East Hollywood. He gained attention not only for his acting but also for his resemblance to Buffalo Bill Cody, with whom he had worked in a Wild West show starting in 1892. His unique look helped him land various roles in Western films throughout the 1930s and 1940s.

Death and Legacy

Tex Cooper passed away on March 29, 1951, in Hollywood, California. Despite his many uncredited roles, he left a mark on the film industry with his performances and memorable appearance. His connection with the iconic Buffalo Bill Cody remains a significant aspect of his legacy.

Filmography

Title Release Date Character
Trouble in Texas 1937-03-06 Rodeo Announcer
North of Arizona 1935-02-02 Barfly
Yellow Dust 1936-03-12 Barfly
Valley of Terror 1937-01-20 Croupier / Lynch Mob
Two-Fisted Sheriff 1937-06-14 Juror
The Oklahoma Kid 1939-03-11 Old Man in Bar (uncredited)
Dodge City 1939-04-08 Townsman (uncredited)
Frontier Marshal 1939-07-28 Barfly
Headin’ for the Rio Grande 1936-01-01 Barfly
The Ox-Bow Incident 1943-03-11 Posse Member (uncredited)
My Darling Clementine 1946-10-17 Townsman (uncredited)
Casablanca 1943-01-15 Commuter at Train Station (uncredited)
Winchester ’73 1950-07-12 Shooting Contestant (uncredited)
Take Me Back to Oklahoma 1940-11-11 Townsman
Three Men from Texas 1940-11-15 Rancher
The Man from Tumbleweeds 1940-05-02 Gun Sight Townsman
Queen of the Yukon 1940-08-26 Miner
Kit Carson 1940-08-30 Californian
Virginia City 1940-03-23 Townsman (uncredited)
Dark Command 1940-04-15 Townsman
Wrangler’s Roost 1941-06-04 Church Member
The Lady from Cheyenne 1941-04-11 Extra
Melody Ranch 1940-09-15 Bets on Autry
Beyond the Sacramento 1940-11-11 Stage Driver Tex
Ridin’ the Cherokee Trail 1941-02-25 Rancher
A Tornado in the Saddle 1942-12-15 Poker Player (uncredited)
Underground Rustlers 1941-11-21 Townsman
Billy The Kid’s Round-Up 1941-12-12 Townsman
Square Dance Jubilee 1949-11-11 Show Spectator
The Lone Rider in Frontier Fury 1941-08-08 Barfly
Border Vigilantes 1941-04-18 Saloon Gambler
Riders of the Timberline 1941-09-17 Barfly
Across the Sierras 1941-02-13 Townsman on Saloon Porch
Wild Bill Hickok Rides 1942-01-31 Townsman
They Died with Their Boots On 1941-11-20 Trooper (uncredited)
Cattle Stampede 1943-08-16 Townsman
The Kid Rides Again 1943-01-27 Doctor
The Great Man’s Lady 1942-04-15 Wagon Train Man
Go West, Young Lady 1941-11-27 Barfly
Texas 1941-10-09 Ringsider
Colt Comrades