Tommy Cook

Tommy Cook, a spry, curly-haired, dark-complexioned child actor, is best known for his roles in serial adventures during the early stage of his career. He made a notable debut in feature films as the young Indian boy Little Beaver alongside Western hero Don "Red" Barry in *The Adventures of Red Ryder* (1940), followed by the role of Kimbu, a jungle boy, in *Jungle Girl* (1941), starring Frances Gifford as Nyoka. Born in Duluth, Minnesota, on July 5, 1930, Tommy's family, which included a sister and grandmother, moved to a warmer climate after his father was diagnosed with Bright's disease, a kidney condition. In California, his mother encouraged his interest in acting, and he enrolled at the Pasadena Playhouse, where he remained for seven years. His natural talent led to radio opportunities soon after. After appearing in a few short films for MGM and RKO, Tommy auditioned and landed the role of Little Beaver in the 12-chapter "Red Ryder" cliffhanger serial at Republic Pictures. He also performed the role on radio. On screen, he had to learn to ride a horse bareback, as did star Don Berry. Though these early roles were prominent and could have secured his stardom, they did not. Tommy continued to appear in both high-profile and minor roles. Among the former were active parts in *Good Luck, Mr. Yates* (1943), *Hi, Buddy* (1943), as Kimba, the Leopard Boy, in *Tarzan and the Leopard Woman* (1946) with Johnny Weissmuller and Brenda Joyce, a Filipino in *American Guerrilla in the Philippines* (1950) starring Tyrone Power, and leading delinquent roles in *The Vicious Years* (1950), for which he received a Photoplay Award for "Outstanding Performance," and in the less successful propaganda film *Teen-Age Crime Wave* (1955). Often typecast in exotic roles, his character names frequently gave away the nature of the parts—Paco, Salim, Ponca, Mario, Chito, Pablo, Little Elk, and Keoga among them. His transition from child to adult actor was difficult, and his career gradually faded. A brawny, good-looking man, his short stature may have contributed to the issue. Tommy's early success as a standout junior tennis player in Southern California led to a new career in mid-life as a respected organizer of celebrity charity and gala events, serving as emcee, producer, and director. He also created stories that became the feature films *Rollercoaster* (1977) and *Players* (1979), the latter of which is a love story with tennis as a central theme. Tommy has two children.