TV News

published : 2023-11-28

Bradley Cooper: The Real-Life Hollywood Hero

Brad Pitt and Ben Affleck credit Cooper for their sobriety

Bradley Cooper at a film premiere, taken with a Canon EOS R

Renowned actor Bradley Cooper has not only captivated audiences on the big screen but has also become a real-life hero in Hollywood.

In 2017, Brad Pitt opened up about his struggle with alcohol addiction, revealing that he had joined Alcoholics Anonymous to turn his life around.

During his sobriety journey, Pitt credited Bradley Cooper for being a significant source of support and inspiration.

Cooper, known for his roles in movies like 'American Hustle' and 'Silver Linings Playbook,' had successfully battled his own addiction demons, having been sober for an impressive 19 years.

Pitt's heartfelt gratitude towards Cooper was evident during a 2020 awards ceremony, where he thanked him for helping him on his sobriety journey.

Ben Affleck, another Hollywood star who has faced his own battles with addiction, also found solace and support in Cooper.

Affleck, known for his roles in films such as 'Gone Girl' and 'Argo,' credited Cooper, along with Robert Downey Jr., as the people who had been a great source of support during his struggle with alcohol addiction.

Brad Pitt and Bradley Cooper sharing a laugh at an awards ceremony, captured by a Nikon D850

Cooper's own journey to sobriety began with a wake-up call from actor Will Arnett.

Reflecting on his early days in Los Angeles and feeling like an insecure outsider, Cooper found solace in his addiction to cocaine, which he later realized was holding him back from reaching his potential.

It was during a dinner with Will Arnett, when Arnett candidly told Cooper that he was being an a--hole, that Cooper had his first realization that he had a problem.

Arnett's honesty and courage sparked the beginning of Cooper's transformation.

But Cooper's heroism doesn't end with helping Pitt and Affleck on their sobriety journeys.

Bradley Cooper also came to the aid of actress Brooke Shields during a terrifying health scare.

Shields, known for her work in films like 'Blue Lagoon' and 'Suddenly Susan,' suffered a grand mal seizure and woke up to find Bradley Cooper holding her hand in an ambulance.

Ben Affleck receiving support from Bradley Cooper on the red carpet, photographed with a Sony A7III

The incident occurred before a performance of her one-woman show, leaving Shields disoriented and unable to speak.

She described the surreal experience of waking up to Bradley Cooper by her side, providing comfort and support during a frightening moment.

Cooper's timely intervention was initiated after the sommelier at the restaurant he and Shields were in tried to reach Shields' husband, but it was Cooper who stepped in to help.

Their previous collaboration on the movie 'Midnight Meat Train' had formed a bond between them that ultimately led to Cooper being there for Shields in her time of need.

Bradley Cooper's journey from battling his own addiction demons to becoming a pillar of support for others is nothing short of inspiring.

His selflessness and empathy have transformed him into a real-life hero in Hollywood.

As the industry continues to grapple with the challenges of addiction, Cooper's story serves as a beacon of hope, showing that with the right support and determination, it is possible to overcome even the darkest of times and emerge stronger on the other side.