If you’re scouting for the next big thing in entertainment, Ava Grace Cooper should top your list. Ava, 17, is mostly recognized for her adorable and witty role of Opal Weise in When Calls the Heart.
She burst onto the scene in the show’s third season and with the show gearing up for its twelfth season, fans are eager to see what more she’ll bring to the table.
What makes her rise even more extraordinary is her family’s relatively non-entertainment background, yet she’s swiftly stacking up an enviable résumé. With excellent roles in A Midnight Kiss, A Summer Romance, Mingle All The Way, and Holiday Date, Ava isn’t just warming up—she’s on fire, proving that she’s just getting started in what promises to be an illustrious career.
Her Mom Helps Her Prepare Lines
Ava’s rise in the acting world is powered by more than just raw talent; it’s fueled by an all-star family support team. Key to this team is her mom, Kelly Cooper, a former cheerleader who also champions her daughter Ava and her brother Christian’s rehearsals, turning line readings into lively family activities.
In a 2021 interview with Roxanne from Everything About Hallmark, Ava shared a peek behind the curtain at their family’s unique camaraderie. “Well, I mean, I know me and Christian help each other a lot, but our mom really helps us with lines, which is super helpful,” she explained.
Ava’s dad, Mark Cooper is the President of Shakespeare Homes and Renovation Inc. With over 25 years of experience, Mark has racked up multiple accolades, including the Best Character Home Renovation and the Grand HAVAN for Residential Renovator of the Year at the 2024 HAVAN Awards.
More than his professional triumphs, Mark is a devoted family man, often seen savoring moments with his kids and wife. He follows a simple life philosophy, “Kiss your kids, hug your parents, and love your partner.”
Her Brother Inspired Her To Become An Actress
The spark for Ava’s acting career was lit by none other than her older brother, Christian. In a previous chat with Roxanne, Ava opened up about catching the acting bug from her brother. “I saw him acting and I was like, ‘Oh, this seems really fun, I want to try it.’ So then I tried it and I loved it,” she said.
Witnessing his performances from the sidelines, she was only five years old when she decided to tread the same path. The siblings have not only shared familial ties but also screen time, collaborating on projects like When Calls the Heart.
Further bonding over their shared passion, they both attended the LeBlanc School of Acting, enhancing their skills together.
She Has Already Won 9 Awards
Cooper didn’t just step into the spotlight—she leaped into it, collecting trophies with the poise of a natural star. At such a young age, she has already amassed a remarkable tally of nine awards. She’s a four-time winner of the Joey Award, a three-time recipient of the Young Entertainer Awards, and has claimed the Young Artist Awards twice.
She Is Also a Dancer and Singer
Off-screen, Ava is just as dazzling, shining bright on dance floors and in the recording booth. Her passion for dance began at the early age of two, and she hasn’t slowed down since. Whether she’s pirouetting at the Surrey Dance Festival, grooving at EVOLVE, or at The One Dance Experience, she moves with a rhythm that’s hard to match. She excels in ballet, competitive jazz, musical theatre, and hip-hop.
But her talents don’t stop at dancing. She also has a passion for singing, a skill she’s honed since she could speak. “I also sing a lot. I’ve been singing since I learned how to talk! Now I do voice lessons and guitar lessons when I have the time,” Ava revealed during her spotlight moment as an Academy member in 2019.
She Enjoys Boating, Fishing and Skiing
When she’s not in front of the camera or on stage, Cooper thrives on adventure. Her leisure time is packed with dynamic family outings, from boating on lakes to fishing, and skiing down slopes.
A snapshot of such a family adventure was shared on April 2, 2024, via her mother, where Ava and her family were seen rafting at Arenal Raf.
Besides these high-energy activities, she also has a keen eye for unique finds, often seen scouring second-hand stores for treasures. On August 25, 2024, she delighted her Instagram followers with a video of herself thrift shopping at the Fish Market.
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