Bradley Cooper Bio
Bradley Charles Cooper is an accomplished American actor and filmmaker, born on January 5, 1975, in Abington Township, Pennsylvania. He has received numerous accolades throughout his career, including a British Academy Film Award and three Grammy Awards. Cooper has been nominated for twelve Academy Awards, six Golden Globe Awards, and a Tony Award. He has appeared on the Forbes Celebrity 100 list multiple times and was named one of Time’s 100 most influential people in the world in 2015. His films have grossed over $13 billion worldwide, establishing him as one of the highest-paid actors in the industry.
Early Life and Background
Bradley Cooper was raised in the suburbs of Philadelphia, specifically in Jenkintown and Rydal. His mother, Gloria, worked at KYW-TV, while his father, Charles, was a stockbroker. Cooper has Irish and Italian ancestry and was raised in a Catholic household. He has an older sister named Holly. From a young age, Cooper showed an interest in acting, inspired by films like The Elephant Man, which his father introduced him to. Despite his family’s initial reservations about his career choice, they eventually supported his passion for acting after witnessing his talent in school productions.
Path to Hollywood
Cooper’s journey into acting began in earnest when he attended Germantown Academy, where he worked at the Philadelphia Daily News. After graduating high school, he briefly attended Villanova University before transferring to Georgetown University, where he earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in English. He later pursued a Master of Fine Arts at The New School’s Actors Studio, where he trained under Elizabeth Kemp. His television debut came in 1999 with a guest role in Sex and the City, followed by a recurring role in the series Alias from 2001 to 2006. Despite facing challenges early in his career, including a demotion in Alias that led him to consider quitting acting, Cooper persevered and gained recognition with a supporting role in Wedding Crashers (2005).
Bradley Cooper Career
Early Career (1999–2008)
Cooper’s first notable work was in the comedy Wet Hot American Summer (2001), where he played the role of Ben. Although the film did not perform well initially, it has since gained a cult following. His role in Alias as Will Tippin helped him gain visibility, but it was his performance in Wedding Crashers that significantly raised his profile. The film was a commercial success, grossing over $285 million worldwide. Cooper’s early career also included appearances in various television shows and films, such as Kitchen Confidential and The Midnight Meat Train (2008).
Breakthrough (2009–2012)
Cooper’s breakthrough came with the 2009 comedy The Hangover, where he played Phil Wenneck. The film was a massive success, becoming one of the highest-grossing R-rated films in the United States. Following this success, he starred in several notable films, including Limitless (2011) and Silver Linings Playbook (2012). In Silver Linings Playbook, Cooper’s portrayal of a man with bipolar disorder earned him critical acclaim and several award nominations, including an Academy Award nomination for Best Actor.
Notable Works and Milestones
Cooper’s signature works include The Hangover trilogy, Silver Linings Playbook, and American Sniper (2014), which he also produced. His performance in American Sniper was widely praised, and the film became one of his highest-grossing projects, earning over $547 million worldwide.
Bradley Cooper Award Nominations
Throughout his career, Bradley Cooper has received numerous nominations for prestigious awards, including twelve Academy Awards and six Golden Globe Awards, showcasing his talent and versatility as an actor.
Bradley Cooper Awards Won
Bradley Cooper has won several awards, including a BAFTA Award and three Grammy Awards, highlighting his achievements in both acting and music.
Bradley Cooper Family
Cooper was briefly married to actress Jennifer Esposito from 2006 to 2007. He has a daughter named Lea de Seine, born in March 2017, from his relationship with model Irina Shayk. As of late 2023, he is in a relationship with model Gigi Hadid.
Personal Life
Bradley Cooper has been open about his struggles with substance abuse and has been sober since 2004. He is actively involved in charitable work, particularly in cancer research and support organizations. Cooper has a close bond with his family and has been known to support various causes, including military veterans and Alzheimer’s awareness. He is also a fan of the Philadelphia Eagles and has made appearances on behalf of the team.
