Bernie Cooper

Bernard "Bernie" Cooper was the mayor of Port Winston until 1982 and an original character on the daytime television soap opera ''Times of Passion. ''

One of the town's most respected and popular residents, Bernie had been mayor for several consecutive terms at the time of the series' beginning. But at the same time, along with Vivienne Henderson, he was planning to build a holiday resort in town, with the only obstacle being the house of Martha Stoneham on the planned site. Martha was then killed by Vivienne, but shortly thereafter her daughter Maggie arrived in town and soon discovered the plan and the murder plot. In fear of being discovered, Vivienne framed Bernie for the murder to save herself and he was sent to jail for life and eventually murdered on Vivienne's orders.