'Superman' newsman actor Jackie Cooper dies

Jackie Cooper, who was nominated for an Oscar at the age of nine and played the editor of the Daily Planet in the "Superman" films, has died aged 88, officials said.

Flowers were placed on his star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame following his death after a sudden illness, said the Hollywood Chamber of Commerce, which manages the stars on the storied stretch of sidewalk.

Born in LA in 1922, Cooper was only nine when he played the lead in 1931 movie "Skippy," and became the youngest ever actor nominated for a leading role Oscar.

He also played young Jim Hawkins in the 1934 version of "Treasure Island," and went on to a successful film and TV career - including behind the camera, winning an Emmy Award in 1974 for directing an episode of "M*A*S*H."

Cooper played Daily Planet editor Perry White in the "Superman" films of 1978s and during the 1980s, starring opposite Christopher Reeve and Margot Kidder.