Full Name: Bradley Charles Cooper
Date of Birth: January 5, 1975
Place of Birth: Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
Occupation: Actor, Filmmaker
Years Active: 1999–present
Children: 1
Early Life & Education
Bradley Cooper was born in Philadelphia and raised in nearby Jenkintown and Rydal. His mother, Gloria, worked for a local NBC affiliate, and his father, Charles, was a stockbroker. He attended Georgetown University, graduating in 1997 with a degree in English. He later studied acting at The Actors Studio in New York City, earning a Master of Fine Arts from The New School.
Career Highlights
Early Career (1999–2008)
Cooper began his acting career with small roles in television, including his debut in Sex and the City (1999). His breakthrough came as Will Tippin in Alias (2001–2006). During this period, he also appeared in:
- Wedding Crashers (2005)
- Failure to Launch (2006)
- Yes Man (2008)
Breakthrough with Comedy & Stardom (2009–2013)
Cooper gained widespread fame with The Hangover (2009), playing Phil Wenneck. The film was a massive hit and led to sequels (The Hangover Part II in 2011 and Part III in 2013). He then transitioned into leading roles in:
- Limitless (2011)
- Silver Linings Playbook (2012) – Oscar nomination for Best Actor
- American Hustle (2013) – Oscar nomination for Best Supporting Actor
Dramatic Success & Directorial Debut (2014–2018)
Cooper solidified his status as one of Hollywood’s top actors with:
- American Sniper (2014) – Oscar nomination for Best Actor
- Guardians of the Galaxy (2014) – Voice of Rocket Raccoon (Marvel Cinematic Universe)
- A Star Is Born (2018) – Directed, co-wrote, produced, and starred as Jackson Maine, earning multiple Oscar nominations
The song Shallow from A Star Is Born won an Academy Award for Best Original Song.
Recent Work & Future Projects (2019–Present)
Cooper continued to balance acting, directing, and producing:
- Joker (2019) – Produced
- Nightmare Alley (2021)
- Maestro (2023) – Directed, starred as Leonard Bernstein, and earned multiple Oscar nominations
He reprised his role as Rocket Raccoon in Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3 (2023).
Personal Life
Cooper was married to actress Jennifer Esposito (2006–2007). He has a daughter with model Irina Shayk.
Awards & Recognition
Cooper has received nine Academy Award nominations, multiple BAFTA and Golden Globe nominations, and a Grammy for Shallow.
