Barry Michael Cooper: Celebrated Journalist and Screenwriter Passes Away at 66
Barry Michael Cooper, the iconic journalist-turned-screenwriter known for defining a generation of urban storytelling, has passed away at the age of 66. The Maryland Office of the Chief Medical Examiner confirmed his death on January 22, 2025. While details about the cause of death remain undisclosed, the impact of Cooper’s work on journalism, film, and pop culture remains undeniable.
Born and raised in Harlem, New York, Cooper's life was deeply influenced by the vibrant and often tumultuous environment of his neighborhood. His career began as an investigative journalist for The Village Voice, where he gained prominence with hard-hitting pieces such as "New Jack City Eats Its Young" and "Teddy Riley's New Jack Swing." These articles highlighted issues like the crack epidemic and emerging music movements, setting the stage for his transition to Hollywood.
In 1991, Cooper made his mark in film with the screenplay for New Jack City, a gripping portrayal of the crack epidemic and its societal fallout. Directed by Mario Van Peebles and starring Wesley Snipes, Ice-T, and Chris Rock, the movie was a commercial and critical success, earning nearly $50 million at the box office. It also served as the foundation for Cooper’s "Harlem Trilogy," a series of films focusing on Black urban life.
Cooper followed up with Sugar Hill (1994), starring Snipes as a drug dealer seeking redemption, and Above the Rim(1994), a basketball drama featuring Duane Martin and the legendary Tupac Shakur. These films not only solidified Cooper’s reputation as a storyteller but also opened doors for future projects centered on authentic depictions of urban communities.
Despite his success, Cooper faced personal and professional challenges, including legal troubles and struggles to find consistent work. However, he made a triumphant return to Hollywood in the 2000s, working on projects such as the web series Blood on the Wall$, the video game NBA 2K16, and Spike Lee’s Netflix series She’s Gotta Have It.
Cooper’s legacy extends far beyond his films. His work laid the foundation for a wave of Black cinema, inspiring movies like Boyz n the Hood and Menace II Society. As he once stated in a 2007 interview, “If there was no New Jack, there would be no Boyz n the Hood… It let the public and the studios know that these movies make money.”
Cooper’s death has prompted an outpouring of tributes. His son, Matthew J. Cooper, shared an emotional Instagram post honoring his father as a "superhero" and "icon." Fellow writer Nelson George described him as "Harlem to his core" and credited him with helping to shape pop culture in the '80s and '90s.
Barry Michael Cooper’s work remains a cornerstone of Black storytelling, capturing the struggles, triumphs, and complexities of urban life. His influence on journalism, film, and music will continue to inspire generations to come.
