Bradley Cooper expressed on a recent episode of Running Wild With Bear Grylls: The Challenge that he felt “very fortunate” to be sober for nearly 20 years after previous struggles with addiction.
The 48-year-old Oscar winner – who sparked controversy over a prosthetic nose in Jewface when he portrayed Leonard Bernstein in the Maestro biopic – chatted with the British adventurer about the entertainment industry while they explored the canyons of Wyoming.
At one point during the conversation, the actor explained that he felt like he wasn’t “losing himself in fame,” leading the TV personality to ask, “But you definitely had some wild years?”
The star replied, “In terms of alcohol and drugs, yes, but that has nothing to do with fame.” But I was lucky. I got sober at 29 and I’ve been sober for 19 years. Very happy.’
In the 2018 film A Star Is Born, Cooper worked alongside Lady Gaga where he portrayed an alcoholic and musician named Jack.
Opening up: Bradley Cooper, 48, recently expressed on an episode of Running Wild With Bear Grylls: The Challenge that he was “very fortunate” to have been sober for nearly 20 years after previous addictions
Celebrity: At one point during the conversation, the actor explained he felt like he wasn’t “getting lost in fame,” leading the TV personality to ask, “But you definitely had some wild years?”; seen in Hollywood in April
Due to his previous problems with alcohol and cocaine and his addiction to alcohol and cocaine, Bradley admitted, “It made it easier to really get into it” when it comes to taking on a role like that.
“And thank God I was at a point in my life where I was comfortable with all of this and I could really let myself go.” I was very lucky with the roles I had to play. It was a real blessing. I hope I can continue with that.’
Later in the episode, the star also reflected on another dark period in his life when his father passed away in 2011 after a battle with lung cancer. “He gave me a tremendous gift.” He died in my arms. “To see such a matter-of-fact example of mortality…”
“I definitely had a nihilistic attitude about the afterlife,” he added, and the TV personality asked, “How about that?”
“Just like, ‘Oh, I’m going to die,’ you know?” the star explained while gazing at the landscape that surrounded the pair. “I don’t know… it wasn’t great for a while.”
Bradley continued, “Until I realized I just had to accept who I actually am.” And try to find peace with that. And then it kind of evened out.’
The ‘Hangover’ star also opened up about fatherhood and raising his six-year-old daughter Lea, whom he shares with model Irina Shayk – who notably sparked a romance with former NFL player Tom Brady.
“I think, I mean, you learn from the mistakes of your predecessor.” And I’m going to be making tons of that, which hopefully Lea will learn from. And then… I’ll end up being tough on myself to grow, to help her ditch all my crap.’
‘Luck’: The star replied, ‘In terms of alcohol and drugs yes, but that has nothing to do with fame.’ But I was lucky. I got sober at 29 and I’ve been sober for 19 years. Very happy’
Coping with the loss: Later in the episode, the star also reflected on another dark period in his life when his father passed away in 2011 after a battle with lung cancer
Fatherhood: The ‘Hangover’ star also opened up about fatherhood and raising his six-year-old daughter Lea, who he shares with model Irina Shayk; the former couple spotted out in NYC in 2018
Last June, Bradley delved further into a discussion of his past addictions during an appearance on Jason Bateman, Will Arnett and Sean Hayes’ podcast entitled “Smartless.”
He admitted to battling a severe cocaine addiction in the early years of his career and admitted that after being fired from starring in the TV series Alias, he delved into substance abuse as a way to combat his low self-esteem .
Cooper also explained that being demoted to guest star status in the show’s third season completely demoralized him and helped him develop a “drug and alcohol problem.”
“I was so lost and addicted to cocaine — that was the other thing,” he said of the difficult time when his career seemed to falter.
His physical problems also contributed to his condition. “I cut my Achilles tendon right after Alias was released,” he explained, adding that he suffers from terrible self-esteem.
Bradley was originally part of the main cast with star Jennifer Garner for the first two seasons of Alias, from 2001 to 2003.
But then his character was reduced to special guest status and he only appeared in two more episodes – once in 2003 during the third season and then in a final appearance in a fifth season episode in 2006.
While chatting with his friends, Bradley commented that he was fortunate in that his addiction problems started when he was relatively young and still developing his acting career.
The beginning: Cooper also explained that being demoted to guest star in Alias season 3 completely demoralized him and helped him develop a “drug and alcohol problem”; seen in NYC in May 2022
“I had the advantage that this happened when I was 29. I thought I’d nailed it when I got a Wendy’s commercial. … As far as the made-it thing goes, I did it,” he revealed.
“But when I moved to Los Angeles for Alias, I definitely didn’t feel like I was back in high school: I couldn’t go to a club, no girls wanted to look at me. ‘I was totally depressed.’
A popular supporting role in Wedding Crashers and his starring role in The Hangover helped revitalize his career and put him on the path to A-list status.
“It wasn’t really until The Hangover.” I was 36 when I made The Hangover, so I had to go through all of these things before stardom even became a regular part of my life. “So it all happened before then,” he explained.
But Will Arnett, a longtime friend of Bradley’s, felt that dealing with his addiction was a necessary “metamorphosis” before he could find fame with “The Hangover.”
“Those realizations and that change made it possible for you — it opened you up and allowed you to be yourself,” the Arrested Development star said, with Bradley agreeing.
“That’s right,” he admitted. “At 29, 33 and 34, I definitely had big breakthroughs when I was at least able to stand in front of someone, breathe, listen and talk.”
Bradley has also achieved another milestone in his career by directing, co-writing, producing and starring in the upcoming Netflix biopic Maestro, in which he portrays composer Leonard Bernstein alongside Carey Mulligan.
Upcoming Project: Bradley has also achieved another milestone in his career by directing, co-writing, producing and starring in the upcoming Netflix biopic Maestro, in which he portrays composer Leonard Bernstein
Backlash: However, the actor has faced backlash in the wake of the ‘Jewface’ controversy for wearing a prosthetic nose to play the role of Bernstein
However, the actor faced backlash in the Jewface controversy for wearing a prosthetic nose to play Bernstein.
Earlier this week, despite the backlash, Leonard’s family spoke out and defended Bradley. His children, Jamie, Alexander and Nina Bernstein, issued a statement Tuesday, saying, “It’s true that he had a nice big nose.”
The trio also revealed that the star included them “at every step of his amazing journey in making the anticipated film.”
“We were heartbroken to witness the depth of his dedication, his loving engagement with our father’s music, and the sheer, open-minded joy he brought to exploration,” they added.
“It breaks our hearts to see any misrepresentation or misunderstanding of his efforts.”
“Bradley has chosen to use makeup to enhance his likeness and we totally agree with that,” the three wrote.
Defense: His children, Jamie, Alexander and Nina Bernstein, issued a statement Tuesday, saying: “It’s true that he had a nice big nose.”
Expected: The first trailer for Maestro was released on Tuesday, and the project is set to premiere in select theaters in November and on Netflix on December 20
“We’re also sure that our father wouldn’t have minded either.” Any sharp complaints on this subject are, for us, mostly disingenuous attempts to belittle a successful person.”
“At all times during the making of this film we could feel the deep respect and, yes, love that Bradley had for his portrait of Leonard Bernstein and his wife, our mother Felicia.”
“We feel so fortunate to have had this experience with Bradley and we can’t wait for the world to see his creation,” his children concluded in the statement.
The first trailer for Maestro was released on Tuesday, and the project is set to premiere in select theaters in November and on Netflix on December 20.