Bradley Cooper biography, height, daughter, Oscar, net worth, age, dating history 2025

Bradley Cooper's Biography

Bradley Cooper stands as one of Hollywood's most magnetic stars. His fellow actors consistently rave: "I've never met anyone more charismatic!" His magnetic performances, striking looks, and perfect timing have all fueled this American actor's incredible success. While he's best known as the unlucky groom Phil in "The Hangover," his filmography spans far beyond comedy with equally impressive dramatic work.

Childhood and Youth

Bradley Cooper, who'd become an idol to millions, was born January 5, 1975, to Gloria and Charles Cooper. Cooper's heritage blends Irish roots from his stockbroker father with Italian ancestry from his mother's side. This fiery blend of passionate cultures may have sparked the intense talent that would define his career.

During childhood, Cooper was diagnosed with cholesteatoma of the middle ear. Doctors warned of total hearing loss, but after multiple surgeries throughout his youth, he preserved some hearing—though he's had to swim with special earplugs ever since.

Little Bradley Cooper and his sister Holly

Cooper recalls that his dream of becoming a serious dramatic actor sparked at age twelve after watching David Lynch's iconic film The Elephant Man. The film hit him so hard that he dove into cinema history, devoured actor biographies, and joined his school's theater club.

After high school, he enrolled at Villanova, a Catholic university his devout father insisted upon. But after a year, he transferred to Georgetown University. The rigid Catholic university environment stifled his creativity, so he took out a $70,000 student loan to attend the New York Drama School.

Young Bradley Cooper (photo from the actor's school yearbook)

Cooper came full circle, choosing The Elephant Man again for his graduation thesis. He's since become one of the school's most celebrated graduates.

Career Beginnings

Among all his classmates, Bradley Cooper was the first to land a personal agent. His agent quickly landed him work: he appeared on the hit TV show "Sex and the City," playing one of Carrie Bradshaw's many boyfriends – the character played by Sarah Jessica Parker. After that, he worked in "Law & Order", "Wet Hot American Summer", and "The Street". Bradley Cooper gained some recognition after starring in the TV show "Alias," which was well-received by both audiences and critics and won several prestigious awards, including a Golden Globe.

Bradley Cooper's first role (Sex and the City, 1999)

For a time, the actor hosted the documentary show "Globe Trekker," covering travels to Croatia and Peru.

Whitewhater Rafting the Gauley River (2000)

At one point in Bradley Cooper's career, he hit a rough patch. Serious roles were few and far between, and the actor gradually became addicted to alcohol and drugs. Few could name the movies he'd starred in, but everyone knew about the time he deliberately smashed his head into the concrete floor at a Hollywood party. Twice.

In his youth, Bradley Cooper was quite the troublemaker

Eventually, the actor realized he couldn't keep going like this. "I was terrified I'd completely destroy my life at this rate!" he recalled. By the end of 2004, he'd gotten his act together and landed a role in the comedy "Wedding Crashers." The film starred Owen Wilson and Vince Vaughn, with Bradley Cooper playing the arrogant fiancé to Rachel McAdams's character. The actor considers this role to be the first significant one in his filmography.

In 2005, the TV show "Kitchen Confidential" premiered with Bradley Cooper in the lead role. The plot follows a wild chef named Jack, a character with striking similarities to Cooper's not-so-distant past, who opens a restaurant where he can do whatever he wants.

In 2005, Bradley Cooper became a "chef" in a restaurant

In 2008, the actor starred in his first horror film – "The Midnight Meat Train." He played a photographer who, trying to break into the "big leagues," ventures into the subway hoping to capture a compelling shot. Gradually, his character discovers something sinister in the subway's dark corners and embarks on a photo hunt that leads viewers to the most unexpected conclusion.

"The Hangover"

In 2009, Cooper landed a breakout role in the raucous comedy "The Hangover," which would become one of his most iconic films.

The premise was straightforward: Phil and his two buddies wake up with killer hangovers, remembering absolutely nothing from the night before. To make matters worse, their fourth friend has vanished, they're in a different state, and there's a wedding in just hours. The four-man cast - Bradley Cooper, Zach Galifianakis, Ed Helms and Justin Bartha - transformed what seemed like an unpromising concept into one of the best comedies in recent memory.

A scene from The Hangover

The hit comedy essentially launched Cooper from supporting player to A-list star, with paychecks now reaching into the millions. Following "The Hangover," Cooper dove into a string of comedies. But not all hit the mark with audiences. Take "All About Steve" (2009), where Sandra Bullock plays an obsessed crossword creator who stalks Cooper's character across the country - the film bombed with both audiences and critics, earning Cooper his first Golden Raspberry Award for "Worst Screen Couple."

Movies like "Valentine's Day" and "Brother's Justice" got lukewarm responses, though the action-comedy "The A-Team" scored with audiences. "Making this movie was like living an adventure," Cooper recalled, thinking back to firing an M4 rifle for the first time. But Cooper admits he's nothing like his smooth-talking character Faceman - in reality, he's a total homebody.

To prep for "The A-Team," Cooper hit the gym for four hours daily and stuck to a strict diet. "I don't want to call myself lazy, but that kind of routine is meant for athletes, not actors," Cooper said, adding that he went back to his normal moderate workout schedule once filming wrapped.

To play Faceman, Bradley Cooper got in shape

Further Career

Growing weary of comedy, Cooper pivoted toward serious dramatic roles starting in 2010. He starred in "Limitless," a psychological thriller about a struggling writer who pops a pill that supercharges his brain to extraordinary levels.

'Limitless': Bradley Cooper under the super drug NZ-17

Next came "The Words" (a layered drama about a writer and his manuscript) and the crime thriller "The Place Beyond the Pines."

Ryan Gosling & Bradley Cooper Place Beyond The Pines Funny Interview (Spoilers)

2012 brought another major Cooper film: "Silver Linings Playbook." Cooper played Pat Solitano, a former teacher struggling with mental illness. The film marked a career turning point, with critics unanimously hailing Cooper as a powerhouse dramatic actor. His performance earned him BAFTA, Oscar, and Golden Globe nominations. Following the premiere, tabloids buzzed with rumors linking Cooper romantically to co-star Jennifer Lawrence. However, both actors denied these rumors.

Bet Scene from Silver Linings Playbook (2012)

In 2014, Cooper joined the "Guardians of the Galaxy" blockbuster alongside Chris Pratt, though he stayed behind the camera—voicing the wise-cracking raccoon Rocket.

Bradley Cooper lent his voice to the raccoon from 'Guardians of the Galaxy'

. Cooper made a guest appearance in the 2016 comedy "War Dogs." He reprised his role as Rocket in "Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2" (2017), with Vin Diesel voicing the tree-like Groot.

2016: Bradley Cooper at the premiere of 'War Dogs'

Fall 2018 marked Cooper's directorial debut with "A Star Is Born." Cooper cast himself as an alcoholic musician who discovers and mentors Lady Gaga's aspiring singer. The directorial debut proved successful, earning both stars Oscar nominations.

Bradley Cooper and Lady Gaga starred in the same film

"A Star Is Born" scored eight Oscar nominations total, including Best Picture. The film took home just one Oscar for "Best Song."

Bradley Cooper and Lady Gaga – Shallow

That same year, Cooper played a more complex antagonist. He played a cop hunting a drug courier, unaware that the criminal smuggling heroin across the Mexican border is actually a kindly old man played by Clint Eastwood in "The Mule" (which Eastwood also directed).

Pictured: Bradley Cooper and Clint Eastwood

Riding high on his directorial debut's success, Cooper wasted no time announcing his next project "Maestro," starring himself alongside Carey Mulligan. The Leonard Bernstein biopic premiered at the Venice Film Festival in September 2023, earning a Golden Lion nomination.

Cooper also took on a fascinating role in Guillermo del Toro's "Nightmare Alley." He plays Stan Carlisle, a former magician who cons wealthy clients by claiming he can speak to the dead. When his schemes backfire, he's forced back into carnival life, spiraling into alcoholism. Cooper also served as a producer on the film.

Bradley Cooper's Personal Life

With his striking good looks and undeniable charm, Bradley Cooper has never had trouble winning over Hollywood's most coveted leading ladies. In 2006, he married actress Jennifer Esposito, although their marriage only lasted four months.

In the picture: Bradley Cooper and Jennifer Esposito

His next high-profile romance sparked during filming of "Case 39." After wrapping the thriller, Cooper was frequently spotted out and about with his co-star Renée Zellweger. The pair soon went public with their romance. Despite their five-year age gap—with Renée being the older of the two—they made an absolutely adorable couple. Unfortunately, Cooper—still riding high from his newfound A-list status—wasn't ready to settle down or make any grand romantic commitments, and the couple called it quits in 2011.

Bradley Cooper and Renée Zellweger met on the set of 'Case 39'

But it appears the "Bridget Jones's Diary" star left a lasting mark on Cooper's heart. His next romance with stunning Zoe Saldana didn't last long.

However, his relationship with gorgeous Suki Waterhouse for more than a year and a half. Reports suggest their split came down to Cooper's ongoing connection with Zellweger. Suki reportedly grew tired of Cooper's mysterious disappearances—which he'd later admit were spent with Renée.

Bradley Cooper and Suki Waterhouse split over Renée Zellweger

In April 2015, Bradley Cooper started dating Irina Shayk, a Russian model and former flame of Cristiano Ronaldo.

In April 2017, the couple welcomed their first child together. The baby girl was named Lea de Seine Shayk Cooper.

In 2018, Cooper made his directorial debut, tapping Lady Gaga for the leading lady role. He also starred opposite Gaga in the film. Rumors swirled that their movie chemistry spilled over into real life.

On the set of the movie "A Star Is Born"

Most dismissed the gossip—after all, who would risk losing Irina Shayk? But red flags appeared at the February 2019 Oscars, where Cooper attended with Shayk yet couldn't hide his chemistry with Gaga—right in front of his girlfriend.

In the summer of the same year, Shayk moved out of Cooper's Hollywood mansion and relocated with their daughter to Manhattan. The reasons behind the A-list couple's split remain a mystery. Rumors that Lady Gaga had moved in to Cooper's place after Shayk left were not confirmed.

Whether Cooper and Gaga are dating is unknown

Bradley and Irina worked out an amicable custody arrangement for their daughter Lea. Cooper regularly spends time with his daughter, and in October 2019 he brought her to the Mark Twain Literature Award red carpet for her first public appearance.

In 2022, Cooper had a brief romance with Dianna Agron, and in 2023 he started dating supermodel Gigi Hadid. Despite their 20-year age gap, the pair seems genuinely happy together. Sources say they share mutual friends (that's how they connected at a party), both have young daughters, and enjoy similar humor - but they're taking things slow and just enjoying each other's company.

Bradley Cooper Now

Beyond his directorial pursuits - which have earned serious critical and audience acclaim - Cooper continues voicing Rocket Raccoon, who appeared in the third part of "Guardians of the Galaxy" and the series "I Am Groot." He also appeared in the fantasy adventure "Dungeons & Dragons: Honor Among Thieves," playing the halfling Marlamin who's smitten with a giantess.

Bradley Cooper in the movie 'Dungeons & Dragons: Honor Among Thieves'

Summer 2023 brought news that Cooper's developing his third directorial project. The working title of the film is "Is This Thing On?" The main roles will be played by Cooper himself and Will Arnett, with whom Bradley has been acquainted for about 20 years. Arnett actually helped his friend get sober years ago. "It was Will who told me about alcohol dependency. I'll never forget. It completely changed my life," Cooper recalled.

Bradley Cooper: latest news and articles

Gigi Hadid posted a joint photo with Bradley Cooper, confirming their relationship

5 May 2025

Landon Miguel Evans

The voice of Rocket Raccoon in Avengers is really of Cooper? :) Wow, I didn`t expect

2021-05-14 16:37:23
Janet Williams

I love the movie `The Mule`! It`s one of my favorite thrillers.

2021-05-03 11:52:59
Leo Grant

Not the best actor in Hollywood. He had some bad roles or maybe movies are bad and then it`s not his fault.

2021-04-07 22:13:50
Alex Ryan Murphy

The Hangover is a comedy movie for all occasions. If you want a good laugh, you should watch this movie. Everybody including Bradley Cooper is in their places.

2021-03-06 18:03:48
Larry Cole

For me Limitless with Cooper it`s like a standard of an interesting and cool movie.

2021-02-21 21:17:38

Photos: Bradley Cooper