Given recent events, it now seems astonishing that there was a major role as a closeted gay man living in denial in 1999's 'American Beauty,' and it wasn't Kevin Spacey's character. That part actually went to Chris Cooper, who played a retired military officer named Colonel Frank Fitts. He wasn't only in denial about his sexuality; he was also homophobic to the point of being aggressive.
Cooper's role in the film isn't huge, but it stands out among the ensemble cast of the wildly popular and successful film. 'American Beauty' is part drama, and part social commentary; it explores the themes of masculinity, female empowerment and the emergence of gay pride at the turn of the century. It went on to score the premier trio of awards at the Oscars; 'Best Picture,' 'Best Actor' and 'Best Director.' It also picked up 'Best Original Screenplay' and 'Best Cinematography.'