Archie, Olivia Manning share interesting details about kids

Archie and Olivia Manning are opening up about the distinct personalities of their three famous sons.

In a new conversation with PEOPLE Magazine, the longtime couple reflected on which of the Manning brothers was “always funny,” and who leaned toward being “more serious.”

Archie, 76, revealed that Cooper Manning, now 51, was the sibling who naturally kept things light. 

“Cooper usually brings the humor,” he shared, and added, “Of course, he was the oldest, and he was always a funny little boy.”

For those unversed, Archie and Olivia married in 1971 and share three sons, Cooper, Peyton and Eli.

Elaborating on Cooper's rare sid, Olivia, 72, agreed with her husband's assessment.

 “And very hard to discipline because he was so funny,” she added, laughing as Archie nodded beside her.

Eli, 44, also chimed in about the family dynamic, noting that having Cooper as the eldest paved the way for an easier childhood. 

“I was always grateful for Coop because he always got in trouble, and by the time I came around, my parents were very relaxed on all the rules.”

“Eli could do no wrong,” Olivia joked.

Meanwhile, Peyton, 49, had a noticeably different vibe growing up. 

“Peyton was definitely more serious,” Olivia said, with Archie agreeing. 

He added that Cooper's playful spirit “kind of taught Peyton how to loosen up,” describing his eldest son as “pretty crazy” in general in the best way.