American actor Chris Cooper (July 9, 1959)

Spent his youth on his father’s vast cattle farm in Missouri.

Served in the Coast Guard after high school.

Studied ballet at Stephens College and majored in agriculture and acting at the University of Missouri.

Has appeared in such movies as: American Beauty, Sea Biscuit, Syriana, October Sky and Adaptation (for which he won an Academy Award for Best Supporting Actor).

Cooper’s favorite Chris Cooper performance is as Douglas in Where the Wild Things Are.