Actress. She is recognized as an American silent film actress, who was cast in two silent classic movies, "The Birth of a Nation" in 1915 and "Intolerance" in 1916. Her film career started in 1912 in mostly supporting roles yet she was a prolific actress, making dozens of films. Of her early films, only a few are still available in the 21st century, with the 1912 film "The Confederate Ironclad" being one. Though she made her screen apprenticeship under to D.W. Griffith's direction, Cooper never attained the prominence of other actresses during this era. She was the first wife of film director, Raoul Walsh. The couple married in February of 1916, divorced in 1926, and she never remarried. When her husband left his colleague Griffith, she went with him. Her final role was in 1924 with "After the Ball." She moved to New York City becoming active in the social life offered to her. In the 1940s, she studied writing and wrote a novel and two plays, all of which went unpublished. She spoke at colleges on her silent films. Her health started to decline in the 1970s. In 1973 she published an autobiography, "Dark Lady of the Silents." After having a series of heart attacks and strokes, she became a resident at Cedars Nursing Home, where she died. Her professional papers were donated to the Library of Congress.
Actress. She is recognized as an American silent film actress, who was cast in two silent classic movies, "The Birth of a Nation" in 1915 and "Intolerance" in 1916. Her film career started in 1912 in mostly supporting roles yet she was a prolific actress, making dozens of films. Of her early films, only a few are still available in the 21st century, with the 1912 film "The Confederate Ironclad" being one. Though she made her screen apprenticeship under to D.W. Griffith's direction, Cooper never attained the prominence of other actresses during this era. She was the first wife of film director, Raoul Walsh. The couple married in February of 1916, divorced in 1926, and she never remarried. When her husband left his colleague Griffith, she went with him. Her final role was in 1924 with "After the Ball." She moved to New York City becoming active in the social life offered to her. In the 1940s, she studied writing and wrote a novel and two plays, all of which went unpublished. She spoke at colleges on her silent films. Her health started to decline in the 1970s. In 1973 she published an autobiography, "Dark Lady of the Silents." After having a series of heart attacks and strokes, she became a resident at Cedars Nursing Home, where she died. Her professional papers were donated to the Library of Congress.
Bio by: Linda Davis
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