Title: Bradley Cooper Opens Up About His Battle with Addiction in Candid Interview
Publication Date: August 18, 2023 | 7:30pm
Written by: Erin Keller
Bradley Cooper, the acclaimed “Hangover” star, recently revealed the depths of his struggle with drug and alcohol addiction, admitting that at one point, he feared it would cost him his life. In a gripping episode of the popular National Geographic series “Running Wild With Bear Grylls: The Challenge,” Cooper spoke openly about the darkest moments of his past.
During a conversation with famed survivalist Bear Grylls in the rugged canyons of the Wyoming Basin, Grylls asked Cooper about his wild years. The 48-year-old actor responded, “In terms of alcohol and drugs, yeah, but nothing to do with fame. But I was lucky. I got sober at 29 years old, and I’ve been sober for 19 years. Very lucky.”
Cooper had previously spoken about his struggles with alcohol and cocaine addiction, revealing that he turned to substances after suffering a severe injury and leaving the television series “Alias” in 2003. It was in 2004 that his roommate, fellow actor Will Arnett, confronted him and set him on a path to recovery.
However, Cooper admitted to Grylls that he faced another major setback in January 2011 when his father passed away from lung cancer in his arms. He revealed that he had a nihilistic attitude towards life after the tragic event, but eventually found the strength to embrace who he truly was and achieve inner peace.
Fortunately, Cooper overcame these challenges and used his experiences to fuel his acting career. He notably directed and starred alongside Lady Gaga in the critically acclaimed film “A Star Is Born,” where he played the role of an addict named Jackson Maine. Cooper attributed his deeply emotional and Oscar-nominated performance to his personal journey with addiction, stating that he was in a place of ease and able to fully immerse himself in the role.
Looking ahead, Cooper has an exciting project lined up with the controversial Netflix film “Maestro,” a biopic about Leonard Bernstein. The film has garnered attention due to Cooper wearing a prosthetic nose, leading to social media debates. Despite the controversy, Bernstein’s children defended Cooper’s portrayal of their father, asserting that Bernstein himself would have approved.
Cooper’s candid interview with Grylls sheds light on the actor’s journey with addiction, his triumphs, and his ability to channel his experiences into his craft. As he continues to pursue his passion, fans eagerly anticipate his upcoming projects and hope to see him thrive in his artistic endeavors.