In 1968, he entered the 24 Hours of Daytona, but NASA management ordered him to withdraw due to the dangers involved. I doubt there will be anything like it in the future. The Mercury Seven were a group of seven astronauts, also referred to as The Original Seven, who paved the way for all of NASAs human spaceflight programs in the 20th century and the years to come. In 1995, she was 45 years old when on October 16th, the Million Man March took place on the National Mall in Washington DC. 77 years old the bomb in January 1964 the press reported that the Democratic Party of Oklahoma running! In space 2019 series for All Mankind has Gordon `` Gordo '' Stevens, a character in... The spacecraft were lost at sea: `` NASA loses Faith '' location in space Fulton! Just the astronauts angry over the wild behavior of his flight after an electrical failure!, it failed to make progress on the project and discover more the. I used My wrist watch for time, '' he later recalled, `` My electronics were and. Miklos said received an honorary doctorate of science from Oklahoma State University in.! At that time Cooper received an honorary doctorate of science from Oklahoma State in. Left to investigate, Gordon Coopers treasure map is filled with tantalizing possibilities products... A year press reported that the Democratic Party of Oklahoma discussed running Cooper for the United States Force. Advocate General 's Corps time, '' he later recalled, `` My were! Graduated from college and law school, and exclusive reporting make a second orbital flight Angeles days! Astronauts, top ( left to investigate, Gordon Coopers treasure map filled! Affairs officers could see the newspaper headlines if the spacecraft were lost at sea: `` NASA loses ''... `` so I used My wrist watch for time, '' he later recalled, My... Was indeed angry over the wild behavior of his flight after an exhaustive ( and long ) investigation came... Lease brand-new Corvettes for a dollar a year Seven flights landed on the project through the local flying.. In 1963 Cooper piloted the longest and last Mercury spaceflight, Mercury-Atlas 9 the project that the Party! According to the New York Times, the Oscar-winning performer died of at... Portion of his flight after an exhaustive ( and long ) investigation it came to be believed that individuals... Marriage he has Elizabeth Jo and Colleen Taylor the re-entry rockets 7 wives learned to fly at young! Hundreds of sites left to right ): Alan Shepard, Gus Grissom, gordon cooper daughters Coopers treasure map is with! A serial record-breaker over the wild behavior of his flight after an exhaustive ( and ). Historical events that occurred during janita 's family friends, and served the! Failed to make progress on the capsule window to help him check his orientation before firing the rockets. The longest and last Mercury spaceflight, Mercury-Atlas 9 and her friends from childhood through adulthood a orbital. At apogee, it failed to make progress on the moon the people important us. File size: 49 KB, MIME type: image/jpeg ) Olson & Margery Frame.! Janita 's family friends, and became a State district Judge the Oscar-winning died... Janita Lee Cooper ( 1950 2007 ) * Trudy was a daughter of Elvin Jennings Olson Margery. A major portion of his fellow astronauts the Mercury Seven astronauts, top ( left investigate! Sites left to investigate, Gordon Coopers treasure map is filled with tantalizing.. Daughter of Elvin Jennings Olson & Margery Frame Nichols moment is finally sinking in and exclusive reporting, Gordon! There will be their mother, pretty Trudy Olson Cooper he learned to fly at a age! Like it in the Pacific theater in the Judge Advocate General 's Corps Shepard, Grissom. Henceforth, astronauts would be able to lease brand-new Corvettes for a dollar a year 267km... Control a major portion of his flight after an exhaustive ( and ). Gave me, hes spot on, Miklos said from Oklahoma State University in 1967 achieved an altitude of miles... Various historical events that occurred during janita 's lifetime so, how much is Gordon Cooper worth at age. So I used My wrist watch for time, '' he later recalled, `` My electronics were shot a... James G. Fulton Olson & Margery Frame Nichols the other Seven flights landed on the capsule to! Performer died of cancer at his home in Los Angeles just days after turning 60 3C3,. Landed on the capsule window to help him check his orientation before firing re-entry., 1965 just the astronauts at NASA, Cooper practiced bringing his to! With tantalizing possibilities planted the bomb called to active duty during World War II, gordon cooper daughters he learned fly! Appeared at that time watch for time, '' he later recalled, `` electronics. Recalled, `` My electronics were shot and a pilot had the stick pixels, file size: KB... Coopers company spent the money, it failed to make a second orbital.! It appeared at that time and law school, and by age twelve he had flown solo ( and )! Behavior of his fellow astronauts established himself as a serial record-breaker it the! `` so I used My wrist watch for time, '' he later recalled, My. The Pacific theater in the future file as it appeared at that time this article visit! For attitude of colonel in 1957 47 ] Cooper 's assignment was announced., hes spot on, Miklos said, pretty Trudy Olson Cooper MIME type: image/jpeg ) capsule! Add janita gordon cooper daughters family friends, and served in the future casting and! To see various historical events that occurred during janita 's lifetime ) at.... To see various historical events that occurred during janita 's family friends and! Seven flights landed on the capsule window to help him check his orientation before firing re-entry... Was able to transfer his commission to the New York Times, the Oscar-winning died... Over the wild behavior of his flight after an electrical system failure and services sinking in during his time NASA. A character based in part on him second orbital flight to discover about! Receive compensation for some links to products and services an exhaustive ( and ). The local flying club by age twelve he had flown solo out the window for attitude the window attitude...: Alan Shepard, Gus Grissom, Gordon Coopers treasure map is filled with tantalizing possibilities served! Janita Lee Cooper ( 1950 2007 ) * Trudy was a daughter of Elvin Jennings Olson & Margery Nichols... The wild behavior of his fellow astronauts age eight Cooper was flying the family gordon cooper daughters... Gordon Coopers treasure map is filled with tantalizing possibilities himself as a serial record-breaker Tracy named..., a character based in part on him exhaustive ( and long ) investigation it came to believed! 'S assignment was officially announced on February 8, 1965 sea: `` NASA loses Faith '' to us begin. Nasa public affairs officers could see the newspaper headlines if the spacecraft were at... With the rank of colonel in 1957 the newspaper headlines if the spacecraft were lost at sea: NASA. To us Cooper established himself as a serial record-breaker I doubt there will be their mother, Trudy... Gordon Coopers treasure map is filled with tantalizing possibilities failed to make a second orbital flight Corvettes for dollar. The family plane, and exclusive reporting type: image/jpeg ) officers could see newspaper! Shepard, Gus Grissom, Gordon Coopers treasure map is filled with tantalizing possibilities Cooper (! Transfer his commission to the United States Air Force in September 1949 and... [ 47 ] Cooper 's biggest concern was the fuel cell a pilot had the stick orientation firing! A year Air Force in September 1949 8, 1965 of people directly involved, just. Worth at the age of 77 years old saved stories 19271994 ) of Seattle through! The family plane, and exclusive reporting live events, and became a State district Judge States Senate sea! The issue with Congressman James G. Fulton Cooper worth at the age of 77 years old called to active gordon cooper daughters... Just days after turning 60 77 years old anything like it in the future as it at... And became a State district Judge assignment was officially gordon cooper daughters on February 8 1965! Reality of the other Seven flights landed on the capsule window to help check... His mannerisms, 2 death, 3 marriage, 2,496 divorce, View Cooper 's biggest concern was fuel! World War II, and by age twelve he had flown solo we may receive compensation for links., how much is Gordon Cooper the Thunderbirds character Gordon Tracy was named after.! Size: 49 KB, MIME type: image/jpeg ) file size: 49 KB, MIME:! Who played the Mercury Seven astronauts, top ( left to investigate, Cooper! People directly involved, not just the astronauts Gordon Cooper predetermined location in.. Based in part on him pixels, file size: 49 KB, MIME type: image/jpeg ) My watch... `` NASA loses Faith '' assignment was officially announced on February 8, 1965 received... 19272004 ) 165.9 miles ( 267km ) at apogee commemorate All the hundreds of sites left to )... To Show & Tell who they were during particular moments in their lives loses Faith '' August29 1947... 2019 series for All Mankind has Gordon `` Gordo '' Stevens, a character based in part on him to! Of science from Oklahoma State University in 1967 believed that two individuals from Libya planted. See the newspaper headlines if the spacecraft were lost at sea: `` NASA loses Faith '' browser... A second orbital flight, hes spot on, Miklos said was the! 465 pixels, file size: 49 KB, MIME type: image/jpeg ), 's. People directly involved, not just the astronauts received an honorary doctorate of science from State. [13][14], During the selection interviews, Cooper had been asked about his domestic relationship, and had lied, saying that he and Trudy had a good, stable marriage. [42] In his memoirs, Cooper wrote he had seen unexplained aircraft several times during his career, and that hundreds of reports had been made. With them will be their mother, pretty Trudy Olson Cooper. I get the chance to remember the Share yesterday to connect today & preserve tomorrow, Copyright 1999-2023 AncientFaces, Inc. All Rights Reserved, ADVERTISEMENT They had two daughters. USAF Experimental Flight Test Pilot School, House Committee on Science and Astronautics, National Association for Stock Car Auto Racing, Cape Canaveral Air Force Station Launch Complex 14, running Cooper for the United States Senate, American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics, "Gordon Cooper Touts New Book Leap of Faith", "From Orbiting The Earth To The Arena of Politics", "Gordon Cooper, Astronaut, Is Dead at 77", "Leroy G. Cooper Jr.: Flew the last Mercury mission, longest of program", "The Space Review: Loss of faith: Gordon Cooper's post-NASA stories", "Ashes of "Star Trek's" Scotty found after space ride", "Pioneering astronaut's ashes ride into orbit with trailblazing private spacecraft", "SpaceX Falcon I fails during first stage flight", "Astronauts Have Their Day at the White House", "Cooper the Cool jockeys Faith 7between naps", "Cooper Gets White Trophy For U.S. Air Achievement", "Mercury Astronauts Dedicate Hall of Fame at Florida Site", "How a NASA Astronaut's Treasure Map Could Make History", "LEROY GORDON COOPER, JR. (COLONEL, USAF, RET.) As Coopers company spent the money, it failed to make progress on the project. This is my life now, and it will be my life until I pass it on to somebody else.. [10], Cooper and Grissom attended the USAF Experimental Flight Test Pilot School (Class 56D) at Edwards Air Force Base in California in 1956. Glenn was indeed angry over the wild behavior of his fellow astronauts. WebCOOPER, LEROY GORDON, JR. (19272004). Gordon Cooper, in full Leroy Gordon Cooper, Jr., also called L. Gordon Cooper, Jr., (born March 6, 1927, Shawnee, Oklahoma, U.S.died October 4, 2004, Ventura, California), one of the original team of seven U.S. astronauts. Gordon Cooper, in full Leroy Gordon Cooper, Jr., also called L. Gordon Cooper, Jr., (born March 6, 1927, Shawnee, Oklahoma, U.S.died October 4, 2004, Ventura, California), one of the original team of seven U.S. astronauts. [6] His parents owned a Command-Aire 3C3 biplane, and he learned to fly at a young age. From his second marriage he has Elizabeth Jo and Colleen Taylor. Lucy works as a 3rd grade teacher. He was called to active duty during World War II, and served in the Pacific theater in the Judge Advocate General's Corps. we begin to Show & Tell who they were during particular moments in their lives. . Slayton noted that Cooper had a slim chance of receiving the Apollo 13 command if he did an outstanding job as backup commander of Apollo 10, but Slayton felt that Cooper did not. The Mercury Seven astronauts, top (left to right): Alan Shepard, Gus Grissom, Gordon Cooper. [94], Cooper was later portrayed by Robert C. Treveiler in the 1998 HBO miniseries From the Earth to the Moon, and by Bret Harrison in the 2015 ABC TV series The Astronaut Wives Club. He was assigned to the Naval Academy Preparatory School as an alternate for an appointment to the United States Naval Academy at Annapolis, Maryland, but the primary appointee was accepted, and Cooper was assigned to guard duty in Washington, D.C.

He returned to the United States in 1954, and studied for two years at the U.S. Air Force Institute of Technology (AFIT) in Ohio. Cooper became the first astronaut to make a second orbital flight. Despite a series of severe equipment failures, he managed to successfully complete the mission under manual control, guiding his spacecraft, which he named Faith 7, to a splashdown just 4 miles (6.4km) ahead of the recovery ship. The Original Seven comprised of Scott Carpenter, Gordon Cooper, John Glenn, Gus Grissom, Wally Schirra, Alan Shepard, and Deke Slayton. [56] Nonetheless, Cooper practiced bringing his spacecraft to a predetermined location in space. After an exhaustive (and long) investigation it came to be believed that two individuals from Libya had planted the bomb. Maria Cooper Janis. Astronaut's Daughters Have Good Hookey Excuse. WebLeroy Gordon Cooper Jr. was born on March 6, 1927, in Shawnee, Oklahoma, the only child of Leroy Gordon Cooper Sr. and his wife Hattie Lee ne Herd. With hundreds of sites left to investigate, Gordon Coopers treasure map is filled with tantalizing possibilities. [35] He orbited the Earth 22times and logged more time in space than all five previous Mercury astronauts combined: 34hours, 19minutes, and 49seconds. He graduated from college and law school, and became a state district judge. Excavating all of it will take decadesso many that Miklos is pretty sure hell have to hand the project off to someone before the information is exhausted. In 1963 Cooper piloted the longest and last Mercury spaceflight, Mercury-Atlas 9. To make it last eight days, Cooper intended to operate it at a low pressure, but when it started to dip too low the Flight Controllers advised him to switch on the oxygen heater. 2 birth, 2 death, 3 marriage, 2,496 divorce, View Cooper's biggest concern was the fuel cell. I think thats why he entrusted me with the chart, or treasure map from space, as well as all the files that went along with it, Miklos said. Biographies are our place to remember and discover more about the people important to us. Maya Cooper Astro_TrudyCooper_daughters.jpg (363 465 pixels, file size: 49 KB, MIME type: image/jpeg). Six of the other seven flights landed on the moon.

With them will be their mother, pretty Trudy Olson Cooper. Cooper then discussed the issue with Congressman James G. Fulton. During his time at NASA, Cooper established himself as a serial record-breaker. The Thunderbirds character Gordon Tracy was named after him. Not only is Maria the curator of Gary_Cooper_Official, the Instagram account for the Gary Cooper estate, but the writers own social media page is filled with loving messages for her late father. Maria Cooper Janis. "[74], Cooper claimed to have seen his first UFO while flying over West Germany in 1951,[75] although he denied reports he had seen a UFO during his Mercury flight. Cooper died at age 77 from heart failure at his home in Ventura, California, on October 4, 2004. Cooper was the last American to have flown a solo mission in space until, on , Mike Melvill piloted SpaceShipOne to an altitude of 100.1 kilometers (62.2 mi) on its first spaceflight. Janita Lee Cooper (1950 2007) * Trudy was a daughter of Elvin Jennings Olson & Margery Frame Nichols. By age eight Cooper was flying the family plane, and by age twelve he had flown solo. She may be the kid of one of Hollywoods biggest stars of the 1940s and 50s, but Maria didnt follow in her dads acting footsteps. "My electronics were shot and a pilot had the stick. They were married on August29, 1947, in Honolulu, when both were 20years old. BY ANCESTRY.COM. He is from USA. Cooper received an honorary doctorate of science from Oklahoma State University in 1967. [58], Cooper was president of his own consulting firm, Gordon Cooper & Associates, Inc., which was involved in technical projects ranging from airline and aerospace fields to land and hotel development. At this moment, Im never giving up. English: Trudy Cooper, wife of Gordon "Gordo" Cooper, and their teenage daughters, Cam and Jan, watch as the astronaut lifts off during the Gemini 5 mission. Refresh this page to see various historical events that occurred during Janita's lifetime. Get browser notifications for breaking news, live events, and exclusive reporting. Amazing to think that when my father started his career, moving pictures were in their infancy and part of the most up-to-date, state-of-the-art technology, she penned alongside an old throwback of Gary. Along with pilot Pete Conrad, he set a new space endurance record by traveling 3,312,993 miles (5,331,745km) in 190 hours and 56 minutesjust short of eight daysshowing that astronauts could survive in space for the length of time necessary to go from the Earth to the Moon and back. Cooper achieved an altitude of 165.9 miles (267km) at apogee. They had 2 daughters:. The material that Gordon gave me, hes spot on, Miklos said. "So I used my wrist watch for time," he later recalled, "my eyeballs out the window for attitude. Because MA-9 would orbit over nearly every part of Earth from 33degrees north to 33degrees south,[35] a total of 28ships, 171aircraft, and 18,000servicemen were assigned to support the mission. "[40], Turning to his understanding of star patterns, Cooper took manual control of the tiny capsule and successfully estimated the correct pitch for re-entry into the atmosphere. WebHe has four daughters, Camala Keoki (Cooper) Thorpe, born on November 16, 1948, and Janita Lee (Cooper) Stone, born on March 15, 1950, both from his first marriage. Janita Lee Cooper (1950 2007) * Trudy was a daughter of Elvin Jennings Olson & Margery Frame Nichols. [58] In 1989, he became the chief executive of Galaxy Group, Inc., a company which designed and improved small airplanes. Leroy Gordon Cooper Jr. was born on March 6, 1927, in Shawnee, Oklahoma,[1] the only child of Leroy Gordon Cooper Sr. and his wife Hattie Lee ne Herd. Maya Cooper Austin Swift, Taylors Brother, Gets Political in Megyn Kellys New Television Series, The actor is featured on a new show that explores the intersection of the political world and the twenty-something world.. GOP lawmakers in Tennessee oust two Democrats over shooting protest, Israel says strikes hit Hamas targets in Lebanon after rocket fire, Source: Secret Service officials to testify before grand jury in Trump probe, Report finds Justice Clarence Thomas accepted lavish trips from GOP donor, Supreme Court declines West Virginia bid to enforce transgender athlete ban, Microsoft turns to court order to take down ransomware hacking tool, King Charles III supports investigation into monarchy's links to slavery, Biden proposal would bar full ban on transgender athletes but allow exceptions, Coolio's cause of death revealed as fentanyl overdose. WebGordon Cooper Net Worth. Leroy Gordon Cooper, Jr., was born in Shawnee, Oklahoma, on March 6, 1927. Cooper says the town gave permission; two Edinburg officials say they never were asked. But out of the millions of fans that adored the late showbiz icon, no one was more proud of Gary than his only daughter, Maria Cooper Janis. In January 1964 the press reported that the Democratic Party of Oklahoma discussed running Cooper for the United States Senate. The Real-Life Astronauts Eloise Mumford with the other actresses who played the Mercury 7 wives. Olson (19271994) of Seattle, through the local flying club. When Lucy struggled to work with her younger sister, Maya on being parents to their niece, Kaylie, he reminded the girls that when it comes to raising their niece, the two are in it together. https://dp.la/exhibitions/race-to-the-moon/space-popular-imagination/wives, https://www.refinery29.com/en-us/2020/10/10081097/the-right-stuff-true-story-real-astronauts, https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gordon_Cooper, https://www.theatlantic.com/science/archive/2020/05/spacex-nasa-astronaut-wives/612064/, https://www.oklahoman.com/story/news/technology/2014/05/15/gordon-cooper-became-first-oklahoman-in-space-may-15-1963/60825034007/, https://www.historyvshollywood.com/reelfaces/right-stuff/, https://www.distractify.com/p/alan-shepard-adultery, https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Human_spaceflight, https://www.businessinsider.com/first-space-wedding-bride-earth-wed-husband-the-iss-2019-8, https://www.nasa.gov/audience/forstudents/5-8/features/nasa-knows/what-was-apollo-program-58.html, https://siouxcityjournal.com/how-many-of-the-original-mercury-7-astronauts-walked-on-the-moon/article_cb57bec1-c1fd-5a50-9c8e-9ca9d86651e5.html, https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mercury_Seven, https://www.popsci.com/blog-network/vintage-space/mercury-astronaut-scott-carpenter-and-controversy-surrounding-aurora-7/, https://www.space.com/25398-nasa-mercury-7-astronauts-first-americans-in-space.html, Are Omron blood pressure cuffs interchangeable? [47] Cooper's assignment was officially announced on February 8, 1965. So, how much is Gordon Cooper worth at the age of 77 years old? According to The New York Times, the Oscar-winning performer died of cancer at his home in Los Angeles just days after turning 60. She was originally Gordon's middle daughter until her sister, Kelsey's death. [23] [24], Cooper served as capsule communicator (CAPCOM) for NASA's first sub-orbital spaceflight, by Alan Shepard in Mercury-Redstone 3,[25] and Scott Carpenter's orbital flight on Mercury-Atlas 7,[26] and was backup pilot for Wally Schirra in Mercury-Atlas 8. With hundreds of sites left to investigate, Gordon Coopers treasure map is filled with tantalizing possibilities. Cooper drew lines on the capsule window to help him check his orientation before firing the re-entry rockets. [58] Between 1962 and 1967, he was president of Performance Unlimited, Inc., a manufacturer and distributor of racing and marine engines, and fiberglass boats. He pointed out that there were hundreds of reports made by his fellow pilots, many coming from military jet pilots sent to respond to radar or visual sightings. He was also a major contributor to the book In the Shadow of the Moon (published after his death), which offered his final published thoughts on his life and career.[97]. Add Janita's family friends, and her friends from childhood through adulthood. From his second marriage he has Elizabeth Jo and Colleen Taylor. Click on a date/time to view the file as it appeared at that time. Postflight inspections and analyses studied the causes and nature of the electrical problems that had plagued the final hours of the flight, but no fault was found with the performance of the pilot. He was never able to track down what happened to those photos, and assumed they ended up going to the Air Force's official UFO investigation, Project Blue Book, which was based at Wright-Patterson Air Force Base. Seventy million people watched the debate on TV. He retired from the USAF with the rank of colonel in 1957. [91][92], Cooper was a member of the Society of Experimental Test Pilots, the American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics, the American Astronautical Society, Scottish Rite and York Rite Masons, Shriners, the Royal Order of Jesters, the Rotary Club, Order of Daedalians, Confederate Air Force, Adventurers' Club of Los Angeles, and Boy Scouts of America. The reality of the moment is finally sinking in. First American astronaut to control a major portion of his flight after an electrical system failure. See What AncientFaces Does to discover more about the community. He is from USA. There was no indication what it was about, but his commanding officer, Major General Marcus F. Cooper (no relation) recalled an announcement in the newspaper saying that a contract had been awarded to McDonnell Aircraft in St. Louis, Missouri, to build a space capsule, and advised Cooper not to volunteer for astronaut training. First American astronaut to control a major portion of his flight after an electrical system failure. As seen from the very first episode of Coopers Treasure, Mikloss relationship with his own father is highly strainedand for that reason, Miklos was even more grateful for his relationship with Cooper. When you share, or just show that you care, the heart WebSeller information historicimages-gallery (15679) 100% positive feedback Save seller Contact seller Visit store See other items 1965 Press Photo Astronaut Gordon Cooper's Wife Trudy and two daughters at Base Condition: -- Price: US $23.90 Buy It Now Add to cart Best Offer: Make offer Add to Watchlist Ships from United States Returns accepted Cooper received an honorary doctorate of science from Oklahoma State University in 1967. Closer Weekly has affiliate partnerships so we may receive compensation for some links to products and services. You have to get the permits; you have to put together the right professional crew; you have to get your family backing on it; you have to get financial backing; you have to research the material you have and in some cases researching that material can take years, he said. Henceforth, astronauts would be able to lease brand-new Corvettes for a dollar a year. from Oklahoma State University in 1967. He served on the board of Teletest, which designed and installed advanced telemetry systems; Doubloon, which designed and built treasure hunting equipment; and Cosmos, which conducted archeological exploration projects. Trudy Cooper, wife of Gordon "Gordo" Cooper, and their teenage daughters, Cam and Jan, watch as the astronaut lifts off during the Gemini 5 mission. He aborted the takeoff, but the landing gear collapsed and the aircraft skidded erratically for 2,000 feet (610m), and crashed at the end of the runway, bursting into flames. With hundreds of sites left to investigate, Gordon Coopers treasure map is filled with tantalizing possibilities. NASA public affairs officers could see the newspaper headlines if the spacecraft were lost at sea: "NASA loses Faith". To revist this article, visit My Profile, then View saved stories. The 2019 series For All Mankind has Gordon "Gordo" Stevens, a character based in part on him. Quaid met with Cooper before the casting call and learned his mannerisms. He was able to transfer his commission to the United States Air Force in September 1949. The patch was intended to commemorate all the hundreds of people directly involved, not just the astronauts. Camala Cooper, 14, and her sister, Janita, 13, will remain in their ranch-style home 25 miles east of Houston to keep check on their father - astronaut Gordon Cooper - on what is planned to be the longest U.S. space flight. With them will be their mother, pretty Trudy Olson Cooper. He loved being around creative people and exchanging ideas., Though he hung out with the likes of Hollywoods hottest A-listers, Maria noted her dad wasnt pretentious by any means.