Gary Wayne Cooper, known by his friends as "Koop," was born in 1959. He
attended Hollis High School, where he played football, basketball, and
ran track. He played in the State Championship Games for each of these
sports. He attended college at Southwestern State University on a
football and track scholarship where he studied and majored in theatre.
His big break came in 1988 when he played in the movie Dark Before
Dawn. Living in Oklahoma at the time, this movie afforded him the
opportunity to move to Los Angeles and pursue his acting career.
Raised the son of a Baptist Preacher, Gary always stayed connected to
the local Church. He attended Bible College at Eternity Bible College
in Simi Valley, CA. He is an ordained Pastor and works with men all
over the world to help them become better leaders in their marriages,
social relationships, and communities.