Please Don't Shoot My Dog: The Autobiography of Jackie Cooper Jackie Cooper(1981)

  Please Don’t Shoot My Dog: The Autobiography of Jackie Cooper is an autobiographical book by Jackie Cooper, a famous actor who began his career as a child star in Hollywood during the 1930s. In this book, Cooper shares his experiences growing up in the spotlight, including the challenges and darker side of being a child actor in the early days of Hollywood. The title refers to a traumatic experience Cooper endured as a child while filming. A director reportedly threatened to harm his pet dog to elicit an emotional reaction from him during a scene. The incident symbolizes the exploitation and manipulation Cooper faced as a young performer. Throughout the book, Cooper also reflects on his journey to adulthood, the struggles of maintaining a career in Hollywood, and his later work as a director. It’s a candid and sometimes heartbreaking account of his life in show business, offering insight into the pressures of fame and the realities of the entertainment industry.