In the Hollywood golden-era, women weren’t the only ones soaking in the glamour. Gary Cooper, who originally aspired to be a visual artist, got his start by working as an extra and stunt rider for extra money. Although, many agents and directors quickly recognized him as having a strong and enticing screen presence.

Cooper was catapulted to fame through his first sound picture, The Virginian, one of America’s staple Western films. According to biographer Jeffrey Meyers, the romantic image of the tall, handsome, and shy cowboy who embodied male freedom, courage, and honor was created in large part by Cooper in this film. Other big-shot writers were onto his talent as well. Ernest Hemingway was happy to have Cooper play his protagonists in A Farewell to Arms (1932) and For Whom the Bell Tolls (1943).

Fun Fact: After Paramount signed him, Cooper quickly became one of the highest paid actors in the industry, and remained that way for 11 years. In 1939, he took the cake as the highest paid wage earner in the country, making $482,819. Not too shabby if we must say so.

Even if your pay isn’t that high, we’re pretty sure you’ll at least feel like you’re the highest paid chap in the country when you look into Impact Vanity’s Hollywood mirrors.