10/06/2024
An Inside Look at Kingston’s Christopher Cooper and Marianne Leone: Love, Loss, and Legacy
By Julie Dillon, photographs by Beth Fradet
This month, I am honored to introduce you to some outstanding neighbors. Christopher Cooper and Marianne Leone Cooper are more than just renowned actors—they are beloved members of our community. Like many of you, I know of them from film and television, and that they live in our amazing town. However, I hope to present them in a different light and share some beautiful facts about them that you may not already know.
I was quite nervous about my interview with Chris and Marianne, and I found myself discussing it with people I encountered in my everyday travels. I was always met with, “They are the nicest people; don’t feel nervous.” It impressed me that so many people had met them and had nothing but kind things to say about the couple.
I was invited to their lovely Kingston home and was warmly greeted with fresh coffee and a heavenly slice of upside-down peach cake with a dollop of vanilla ice cream. Marianne had baked it herself, and it was delicious. They immediately made me feel comfortable and right at home. Their hospitality, coupled with the cheerful presence of their dogs, T**i and Sugar, made me feel instantly at ease. T**i and Sugar greeted me with wagging tails and even a smile. My nerves melted away, and I thoroughly enjoyed the easy conversation, the cake, and the visit.
While their accolades in film and television are well-known, their true story is woven with personal milestones that reveal the essence of who they are. I knew the highlights: Chris, with his Oscar-winning talent, and Marianne, captivating audiences in shows like The Sopranos. Yet, beyond their screen presence, I discovered the real magic of their connection. I saw the genuine connection between the couple and the love and affection they showed each other. It was truly endearing.
Chris is known for his ability to portray complex characters with depth and authenticity. Born in Kansas City, Missouri, Chris left after graduation to pursue acting in New York. Over a career spanning four decades, Chris has portrayed a range of characters, from his Academy Award-Winning role in Adaptation to memorable performances in Seabiscuit and American Beauty.
Chris’s subtlety and emotional intensity have earned him praise and made him a sought-after actor. His ability to deliver nuanced performances has distinguished his career. His dedication to his craft has earned him numerous accolades, including an Oscar, a Golden Globe, and several Screen Actors Guild Awards.
Marianne is also an accomplished actress. She has appeared in multiple films, including The Thin Blue Line, True Love, and Joy. She has also acted in a few television series, such as Kate & Allie and Brotherhood. Her longest-running recurring role was as Christopher Moltisanti's mother in nine episodes of The Sopranos. Her acting career showcases her versatility and range as a performer.
In addition to her work as an actress, Marianne is a talented author, playwright, screenwriter, and essayist. She authored the memoir Jesse: A Mother's Story, has published essays in the Boston Globe, and written a screenplay entitled, The Warrior Queen of Fifty-Seventh Street, about a mother’s struggles to have her twin disabled daughters admitted to public school, which is being developed into a film with Chris playing the part of the lawyer who advises Mary Somoza, mother of the twins.
Chris and Marianne met in an acting class in New York City. They married in 1983 and had their only son, Jesse Lanier Cooper, in 1987. Born ten weeks premature, Jesse suffered a brain hemorrhage that led to cerebral palsy and required the use of a wheelchair. Despite these challenges, the Coopers’ unwavering love and support helped him surpass many obstacles.
The Coopers' love for their son was a driving force behind their decision to move to Kingston from the New York City area in 1994. They sought a place that would offer better opportunities for Jesse. Marianne, a Newton native, had fond memories of Kingston from summers spent with her aunt and uncle, Ellie and Benny Iannucci, of Kingston Block Co.
Despite the incredible challenges Jesse’s diagnosis presented, Chris and Marianne’s commitment as parents never faltered. They raised Jesse with love and a steadfast dedication to being his advocates and ensuring he received every opportunity he deserved. Marianne made it her life’s mission to fight for Jesse’s inclusion in mainstream education. Jesse, a bright and creative child, defied his medical restrictions and developed a deep love for literature and creativity. He became an avid reader and writer, using an eye-gaze communication device to write beautiful poetry that continues to inspire those fortunate enough to read it. Jesse thrived at Silver Lake Regional High School, making the honor roll.
The profound love and loss they experienced with Jesse have fueled a passionate advocacy that seeks to transform the lives of children with special needs. Although Jesse passed away at the age of 17 due to a seizure from his illness, his legacy lives on through his parents’ efforts. Jesse: A Mother’s Story, is a heartfelt account of Jesse's life, the love he created, and the grief of losing a child. It highlights the struggles of advocating for children with special needs within the education system.
Chris and Marianne have also worked to raise awareness and improve educational opportunities for children with disabilities. They were heavily involved in the documentary Intelligent Lives, which underscores the importance of inclusive education for individuals with intellectual disabilities. Chris narrates the documentary, and both he and Marianne served as executive producers. Chris opens the narration with the question: “Can any measure of intelligence predict a person’s value or ability to contribute meaningfully to the world?” This quote reminds us that intelligence is just one part of who we are, and everyone has something special to offer.
Additionally, the couple has established the Jesse Cooper Foundation, which supports inclusion in public schools through the Federation for Children with Special Needs, adapted sports for disabled children through Access Sports America, and disabled orphans in Romania through Romanian Children’s Relief. The Coopers have also executive produced Alexander Freeman’s My Own Normal documentary. Alexander Freeman is an award-winning director and writer who graduated from Emerson College. He is quadriplegic and has a devoted partner and a little girl and this documentary is about becoming a parent when you have a severe disability.
Marianne has also published a book about her Italian mother, Ma Speaks Up. The book tells the story of her fierce Italian mother, who came to America to escape fascism and an arranged marriage. Marianne’s new book, Five Dog Epiphany, to be released on September 3rd, explores how her cherished rescue dogs helped her and Chris heal and cope with their immense grief over the loss of their son.
“Five Dog Epiphany is about rescue dogs, grief, and mutual healing. Jesse’s spirit is present throughout this book, and I couldn’t have written it without the experience of having Jesse. He was desperate for a dog and asked Santa when he was six. Goody appeared on his bed on Christmas morning and was his true fur sibling for as long as Jesse lived. Goody’s heart failed a year after Jesse died,” shared Marianne.
Marianne is also working on a collection of short stories, which was written as a pilot and called Christina the Astonishing. A producer, Dorothy Aufiero (The Fighter, Finest Hours), is attached. Check out her website for a video of her and Chris reading an excerpt—it's great!
Chris shared that he is excited about his new project, The History of Sound, written by Ben Shattuck, which is set to release in 2025. “I loved this beautiful script and never had the challenge before of playing the older character of Paul Mescal and matching accents with him.”
As promised, here are a few things you might not know about this wonderful couple: They chose Kingston because Marianne had family here, the schools, and the ocean is within walking distance. Chris is a master carpenter, who designed a remarkable structure for a grapevine that Marianne purchased as a small plant from Ocean State Job Lot. Marianne continues to swim near Gray’s Beach with a group of friends she has known since she was eight years old. When I asked about her work on The Sopranos, Marianne smiled and laughed, saying, “The food was outstanding. We were all Italians. I was in awe of the writing.”
The couple enjoys walking their dogs at Bay Farm, where they have spread some of Jesse’s ashes. Marianne fondly remembers when the Stop & Shop used to be a drive-in movie theater and shared that they cherish Kingston because it’s where Jesse grew up, finding comfort in staying close to his memory. Marianne loves cooking at home, and together, they played a role in bringing the film tax credit to Massachusetts.
Marianne will be giving a reading of Five Dog Epiphany sponsored by the Kingston Library at the Adams Center on November 12th at 6 PM. You can find other local reading dates on her website at marianneleonecooper.com.
Chris and Marianne Cooper’s story is one of resilience, love, and an enduring legacy. Their journey through personal loss and their commitment to advocacy and community service have left an indelible mark on those around them. Their lives continue to inspire and enrich the Kingston community, honoring their son Jesse’s memory and contributing positively to the world.
For more information on the Jesse Cooper Foundation, you can write to: Jesse Cooper Foundation, P.O. Box 390, Kingston, MA 02364.
“My best dream is to fly.” —Jesse Cooper
PRAISE FOR FIVE-DOG EPIPHANY
An actor, screenwriter, and essayist reflects on how caring for five small dogs helped her come to terms with the death of her quadriplegic, nonverbal son...Candid and big-hearted, this book about the healing power of animal companionship will warm the hearts of animal lovers and general audiences alike. Joyful, affecting reading about love and family. — Kirkus Reviews
Thank you to the Viscariello Hospitality Group (ThreeV, Mamma Mia's Restaurants, and Carmela's Restaurant) for sponsoring our feature story each month.
