Working alongside Cooper Hoffman proved to be a remarkable experience for actress Judy Greer, who occasionally found herself catching fleeting echoes of his celebrated late father, Philip Seymour Hoffman. Greer, at 50 years old, portrays the mother of Cooper’s teenage protagonist, Ray Garraty, in the forthcoming Stephen King adaptation, “The Long Walk.” This film plunges viewers into a chilling contest where a group of young men vie for an immense prize, knowing that failure promises a dire end.
Despite the shadow of his father, who passed away in 2014 at the age of 46, Greer shared that her time with the 22-year-old Cooper never felt like a constant comparison. “I was never sitting there being like, ‘Gosh, he’s so much like his dad,’ ” she explained. Instead, Greer emphasized her personal connection, stating, “Because I only know Cooper, and he is my pal.” Although she never had the opportunity to meet Philip Seymour Hoffman, the “13 Going on 30” star openly admitted to being a tremendous admirer of his extensive body of work.
Greer recounted a similar scenario from another recent project involving Emma Thompson and her daughter, Gaia Wise. She noted that while Gaia possesses her own distinct identity, there were moments – a particular look, a specific gesture – that would instantly remind Greer of Emma. This parallel illustrates the subtle, often unconscious ways in which children can mirror their parents, even when forging their own paths.
A pivotal moment in Greer’s appreciation for Cooper as an artist came with his breakout performance in the 2021 film “Licorice Pizza.” What makes this revelation particularly striking is that when she first saw the movie, Greer was unaware of his familial connection. “And actually, when I saw that movie I didn’t know who his father was,” she confessed. Her reaction was one of pure astonishment and captivation. “So I was just like, ‘Who is that kid?’ Oh my God, the charisma — it was bananas. I couldn’t take my eyes off of him.” This independent recognition of his talent underscores Cooper Hoffman’s powerful screen presence and innate ability to command attention, standing entirely on his own merits.
