Maria Cooper Janis

Maria Cooper Janis was born in Los Angeles, California and lived there with her parents, the actor Gary Cooper and his wife Veronica Cooper. She followed a painting career in New York and in 1966 married the world renowned American classical concert pianist, Byron Janis.
Although Mr. Janis’ busy schedule has led them all over the world, Mrs. Janis has enjoyed a successful career as an artist. She pursues her paintings with great energy, exhibiting in the United States as well as Europe and Asia.

Maria Cooper Janis is involved with the American Arthritis Foundation of which her husband, Byron Janis is the National Spokesperson and she sits on the board of Pro Musicis, an organization committed to furthering the careers of young musicians. She also works with the Neuropathy Foundation and is an active board member of the ASPR (American Society for Psychical Research).

She has collaborated on three television specials, one produced by TNT “Gary Cooper, American Life, American Legend,” another, part of TNT’s Biography Series entitled “The Life and Times of Gary Cooper” and she has worked with A&E to contribute to a special on her father for their Biography program titled, “Gary Cooper: The Face of a Hero” which was aired in March of 1998. She has collaborated abroad with a PBS/French production of “Frederick Chopin: A Voyage with Byron Janis.” Mrs. Janis frequently lectures around the country on such topics as, “Growing Up in Hollywood” often with her longtime friend Joan Benny and Foster Hirsch.