Bradley Cooper, the accomplished 48-year-old actor, has candidly shared his battle with drug and alcohol addiction, revealing that he once believed these struggles would lead to his demise. In a recent episode of the National Geographic series ‘Running Wild With Bear Grylls: The Challenge,’ Cooper opened up about the darkest periods of his life and his remarkable journey to recovery.
Cooper’s tumultuous relationship with substances dates back to his earlier years, specifically after a series of setbacks that included severing his Achilles tendon and leaving the series ‘Alias’ in 2003. These events triggered his reliance on drugs and alcohol as a coping mechanism.
During the interview, survivalist Bear Grylls, aged 49, inquired about Cooper’s wild experiences. The actor admitted to battling with substance abuse but emphasized that his struggles were unrelated to his fame. Cooper credited his recovery to a significant turning point: achieving sobriety at the age of 29 and maintaining it for an impressive 19 years.
The journey towards recovery was not without its challenges. Cooper revealed that it was his roommate and fellow actor, Will Arnett, who played a pivotal role in helping him confront his issues in 2004. However, another setback occurred when Cooper’s father passed away from lung cancer in 2011. This tragedy reignited his battle with addiction, leading him to adopt a nihilistic perspective on life.
Reflecting on his transformation, Cooper shared that he eventually realized he needed to embrace his true self and find inner peace. This realization marked a turning point in his struggle, eventually leading to a more balanced and stable life.
Cooper’s triumphant comeback included his directorial debut in the acclaimed film ‘A Star Is Born’ (2018), in which he starred alongside Lady Gaga. Portraying the character of an addict named Jackson Maine allowed him to channel his personal experiences into his Oscar-nominated performance.
The actor expressed gratitude for the roles he’s had the opportunity to play and acknowledged the profound impact they’ve had on his journey. Looking ahead, Cooper expressed hope for his continued involvement in the industry, mentioning his upcoming role in the Netflix film ‘Maestro,’ a biopic centered around the life of Leonard Bernstein.
Bradley Cooper’s story serves as an inspiring example of resilience, redemption, and the power of self-discovery. His willingness to share his struggles and triumphs can undoubtedly resonate with many who are facing similar challenges, offering them a beacon of hope on their path to recovery.
