Jackie Cooper was an American actor, television director, and producer who had a long and varied career in Hollywood. He began as a child star, famously becoming the youngest nominee for the Academy Award for Best Actor for his role in the 1931 film 'Skippy'. After serving in the Navy during World War II, he successfully transitioned to adult roles in film and television, and later became a respected television executive and director. His most notable later role was playing Daily Planet editor Perry White in the first four 'Superman' films starring Christopher Reeve.