By: Aman Jalan
Leeza Cooper’s life could have taken a drastically different path. Born to a spiritualist father and a polygamous mother who celebrated artistic freedom, Leeza might have ended up confined to a life of limited opportunities, navigating her unconventional roots while searching for a sense of belonging.
Her path changed in Year 10, during an English Literature class at a private Adventist high school in Sydney, Australia. While studying Malvolio’s speech from Shakespeare’s Twelfth Night, she resonated deeply with the words, “Some are born great, some achieve greatness, and some have greatness thrust upon them.”
Following her mother’s sudden death at 16 and her father’s departure on a spiritual journey, Leeza took on the responsibility of caring for her six-year-old sister. Despite these challenges, she was determined to forge her own path as a writer and model.
Today, Leeza Cooper is a celebrated beauty queen, humanitarian, activist, novelist, and poet, known for her inspiring works featured on platforms like Vocal Media. Her determination has led her into various acting roles and ultimately to the prestigious title of executive film producer. Working alongside director and producer Girish Makwana has been a dream fulfilled, one that allowed her to merge her artistic talents with meaningful storytelling.
In Sadhu, a film exploring Indian and Australian cultures, Leeza not only stars in the lead role but also serves as an executive producer. She has built a strong rapport within the film industry, particularly with Makwana, through her dedication to storytelling and cultural representation.
Her experiences and journey to connect with diverse stories have deepened her connection to India, particularly to Mumbai, the heart of the country’s film industry. Leeza aspires to continue developing projects that blend her unique perspective on spirituality and personal resilience, contributing to global narratives of human connection.
After moving from Australia to Manhattan, New York, with her two youngest children a decade ago, Leeza embraced the challenge of adapting her life story into a cinematic project. This transition offered her new insights, empowering her to speak out on social issues.
A passionate advocate for social justice, Leeza has become a powerful voice against domestic violence on a global scale. She connects directly with individuals in shelters, rehab centers, schools, and even jails, places where her message can make a difference.
This mother of four was crowned Ms. Australia International 2023 in Tennessee, USA. Over the past seven years, Leeza has traveled across the U.S. and Canada, sometimes by plane, other times in a Ute, and occasionally on her 1200cc Harley Davidson. Her mission? To support women and children facing domestic violence through public appearances and advocacy.
Leeza also founded and leads the motorcycle group Wheels & Dolls. Their motto, “Instead of being beaten by a beast, ride one,” reflects the group’s mission to empower survivors of domestic violence through financial support, spiritual guidance, and education on both self-defense and motorcycle culture.
Until the release of her autobiography, My Shotgun Wedding & A Goat, few knew the remarkable, and at times harrowing, story of Leeza’s life. In her book, she recounts her resilience through emotional and financial hardships, including the terrifying experience of narrowly escaping a house fire. “An honest, brave, and at times humorous storyline is what society needs to take notice of” she says.
Her autobiography’s success has led to requests for TV appearances and speaking engagements. However, rather than following a traditional path, she created her own platform: The HOTBOX Podcast. Through it, she champions free speech, advocates for social justice, and sheds light on issues of abuse and bullying.
During our interview in Manhattan, Leeza revealed a new tattoo: a beautifully crafted old-fashioned typewriter with the word “GOLD” written in bold letters.
“This tattoo is for Alan Gold,” she says, her voice soft with emotion. “He was one of the most incredible people I’ve ever known. I was like a bird without wings, trapped in a cage. He was everything intellectual and educational. He was my kind and supportive mentor, my editor, and after 15 years, my equal and colleague. I was his student, his spiritual advisor, and his muse. He passed away recently, just a few days ago while I was flying over the Pacific, coming from Australia to the U.S. on June 18th.”
Leeza dedicates this interview and article to her best friend, Alan Gold, and their shared legacy of changing lives for the greater good.
Leeza remains steadfast in her beliefs, including her view on “The Death of the Author,” a debate inspired by French literary critic Roland Barthes. She passionately opposes the theory that an author “dies” in terms of controlling a work’s meaning once it’s released.
“I disagree,” Leeza insists. “The energy and connections we create can never be erased. My dear friend Alan Gold isn’t dead; he has simply transformed.”
RIP Alan David Gold (1945–2024), renowned novelist, human rights activist, and philanthropist. His legacy lives on.
Her website – https://Leezacooper.com
Published by: Holy Minoza
