Former child star Jackie Cooper, who appeared at a number of hit films including "Our Gang," "Skippy" and later in "Superman," has died. He was 88.

File photo of Jackie Cooper.

Cooper was born in Los Angeles in 1922, and became the youngest performer to be nominated for an Academy Award for Best Actor in a Leading Role for the film "Skippy" in 1931. He was also a major actor of "Our Gang" comedy series in the early 30s.

Cooper acted in the role of young Jim Hawkins in the 1934 film version of "Treasure Island," and "The Champ" (1931). He starred in some 80 films and television shows during his career which spanned five decades.

The actor, who managed to made a transition from child star to adult career, also was known to later fans as "Daily Planet" editor Perry White in the "Superman" films of the 1970s and 80s.

Aside from acting, he also directed dozens of episodic TV and other projects including "M*A*S*H" and "The White Shadow" which earned him Emmy awards.