Bradley Cooper recently got candid with Bear Grylls on his show 'Running Wild With Bear Grylls: The Challenge.' The two talked about Bradley's struggle with drugs and alcohol, and the 'A Star is Born' actor opened up about learning from his ancestors' mistakes when it comes to fatherhood.
Bradley Cooper Has Been Sober For 19 Years
Bradley Cooper played Phil in the famous 'The Hangover' trilogy, where the character, along with his friends gets into trouble after planning bachelor parties that involve drugs and alcohol. However, Bradley struggled with substance in real life as well.
The episode shows Bear and Bradley sitting atop a cliff in the Wyoming Basin, discussing the actor's career. Talking about 'The Hangover' being a turning point in his career, Bradley said, "I mean, 'The Hangover,' which was – that was pretty career-changing. I was 36 when that happened, so, you know, I was already in the game for 10 years, just banging around. I didn't get lost in fame."
Bear then went on to ask a personal question to the actor. "But you definitely had some wild years?" he asked. To which, Bradley replied, "In terms of like alcohol and drugs, yeah. That had nothing to do with fame, though. But I was lucky, you know? I got sober at 29 years old, and you know, I've been sober for 19 years. I've been very lucky."
Bradley also said that his addiction helped him in playing the role of Jackson Maine in 'A Star is Born.' "It made it easier to be able to really enter in there, and thank goodness I was at a place in my life where I was at ease with all of that, so I could really let myself go," he claimed.
Bradley Cooper Also Shared His Take On Fatherhood
Bradley has a 6-year-old daughter, Lea, with ex Irina Shayk. Talking about fatherhood, the 'American Sniper' actor opened up about his father's death and how he wished he was still around. "Yeah, I wish my dad was around to enjoy more of it, but we all recognize how lucky we've been," he said. "It was a blessing though," Bradley continued. "He gave me a huge gift; he died in my arms. To see that kind of factual example of mortality."
Bear asked if his father's death changed the way the actor looked at life. "Oh yeah. Some ways for the worst," the 'Guardians of the Galaxy' star claimed. "I definitely had a nihilistic attitude after, for a little bit. Just like, wow I'm gonna die."
The British adventurer also asked the actor about his views on fatherhood. "So how do you approach fatherhood now? You've had that whole journey with your dad and now you're a dad," he questioned. "I mean you learn from your predecessor's mistakes and I'll make tons that hopefully Lea will learn from and then being rigorous with myself to grow," the actor said. "To help unburden her with any of my bulls---," he concluded.
