Bradley Cooper's battle with addiction: How an intervention by Will Arnett became his lifesaver
In a podcast, actor Bradley Cooper candidly spoke about his past struggles with addiction, crediting fellow actor Will Arnett for helping him recognize his problem. Arnett's intervention was a turning point for Cooper, inspiring him to change his life. Cooper, in turn, played a similar role for actor Brad Pitt, who publicly acknowledged that Cooper helped him attain sobriety.
Updated : October 20, 2023 05:24 PM ISTIn a podcast, actor Bradley Cooper candidly spoke about his past struggles with addiction, crediting fellow actor Will Arnett for helping him recognize his problem. Arnett's intervention was a turning point for Cooper, inspiring him to change his life. Cooper, in turn, played a similar role for actor Brad Pitt, who publicly acknowledged that Cooper helped him attain sobriety.
Renowned Hollywood actor Bradley Cooper, currently caught up in the production of the eagerly awaited Leonard Bernstein biopic Maestro, opened up about a crucial turning point in his life. He credited fellow actor Will Arnett for helping him acknowledge his battle with addiction and inspiring a life-altering transformation.
The nine-time Oscar-nominated star reminisced about his struggle with drugs, alcohol, and crippling low self-esteem during his early years in show business. Cooper shared these memories on the "SmartLess" podcast hosted by Jason Bateman, Sean Hayes, and Arnett, who was once a close confidant during those troubled times.
In those formative years, Cooper had formed a bond with Arnett and his then-wife, Amy Poehler. He admired their biting wit and tried to emulate it — a fact that didn't quite garner the response he expected. Recounting a dinner party conversation, Cooper said, “Will was like, ‘Hey man, do you remember we had dinner the other night?’ He goes, ‘How do you think that went?’ I thought I was killing."
Arnett's honest response — "You were a real asshole, man" — served as a wake-up call for Cooper. Arnett's probing questions about his lifestyle led Cooper to acknowledge his problems with drugs and alcohol. "It was Will saying that to me, and I'll just never forget it... It changed my entire life,” Cooper reflected.
Cooper's fight against addiction did not end with him, though. In a heartwarming twist of fate, Brad Pitt, while accepting his award for best supporting actor at the National Board of Review Annual Awards Gala in 2020, acknowledged that it was Cooper who had guided him on his journey to sobriety.
Pitt warmly acknowledged Cooper in his acceptance speech saying, “I got sober because of this guy,” he announced. “And every day has been happier ever since.” He then expressed his heartfelt gratitude, stating, “I love you, and I thank you.”