Gary Cooper was larger-than-life - a dazzling screen idol - and adored by many.
Now, it has been announced that a U.S. commemorative stamp in his honor, will be uveiled next month at the Gene Autry Museum in Los Angeles (September 10th).
The Postmaster General is making a big ta-do about it, too.
Leonard Maltin will be on hand to act as the Master of Ceremonies.
At press time, it was announced there will be a tribute to the cowboy hero and follow-up speeches by Maria Cooper Janis (the handsome actor's daughter), Alan C. Kessler (Board of Governors; U.S. Postal Service), and scholarship receipient (Sonya Oberly).
The general public is invited to participate in the festivities (free) and take a gander at Gary Cooper's Oscar (High Noon/1952) which will be on exhibit in the Gene Autry Imagination Gallery.
In addition, a poster for the Classic Western will be on display alongside a Norman Rockwell portrait of Cooper, which was commissioned for an "Along Came Jones" ad campaign many moons ago.
John Gray (President & CEO of the Autry National Center) sang the screen idol's praises.
“Gary Cooper projected an image of honesty and sincerity that resonated with the average American."
"His long and distinguished career deserves continued recognition, and the Autry is proud to help preserve his legacy for future generations," Gray added.
Gary Cooper appeared in more than 100 films during his acting career.
Film historians have noted over the years that Cooper's quiet understated acting style was particularly well suited to the stoic Western heroes he often portrayed.
Critics raved about his portrayal of Marshal Will Kane in "High Noon" which was a big box office hit, for instance.
Cooper's first all-talking feature was "The Virginian" shot in 1929.
On the heels of that breakthrough role, Cooper went on to flesh out the character of "Wild Bill Hickok" in The Plainsman (1936), which was directed by the infamous Cecil B. DeMille.
"Along Came Jones" and "High Noon" (Cooper's best-known film) followed.
The Autry National Center is an intercultural history center dedicated to exploring the experiences and perceptions of the diverse peoples of the American West.
The Autry celebrates the cultures of the American West through three institutions on two Los Angeles campuses: the Southwest Museum of the American Indian in Mt. Washington; the Museum of the American West in Griffith Park; and the Institute for the Study for the American West, which comprises the Braun Research Library and the Autry Library and is headquartered in Griffith Park.
Admission to the U.S. Postal Service event is free.
Gene Autry Museum / Hours
Tuesday through Friday, 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
Museum Store / Hours
Tuesday through Friday
(10:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.)
Saturday and Sunday
(11:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.)
Thursdays from July 1 to August 31
(10:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m.)
(Closed on Mondays)
Info: http://www.autrynationalcenter.org/
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