When Bradley Cooper first appeared as the “nice guy” best friend in Alias or the arrogant “Sack” Lodge in Wedding Crashers, few could have predicted he would become a 12-time Academy Award nominee with a penchant for transformative directing. Today, as he turns 51, Cooper is at the peak of his powers. With the recent release of his latest directorial effort, Is This Thing On? (released December 19, 2025), and a slate of upcoming projects, the Philadelphia-born star shows no signs of slowing down.
Bradley Cooper attends the 91st Annual Academy Awards at Hollywood and Highland on February 24, 2019 in Hollywood, California. (Photo by Kevork Djansezian/Getty Images)
To celebrate his birthday, we are looking back at the decade-spanning performances that proved Cooper is a chameleon.
Leonard Bernstein in Maestro (2023)
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Perhaps the ultimate testament to his discipline, Cooper’s portrayal of legendary composer Leonard Bernstein was a masterclass in physical and emotional metamorphosis. Not only did he direct and co-write the film, but he also spent years training to conduct a live orchestra to ensure total authenticity. It remains his most ambitious and technically staggering performance to date.
Jackson Maine in A Star Is Born (2018)
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This was the role that changed everything. As the gravelly-voiced, hard-drinking country star Jackson Maine, Cooper showcased a vulnerability that felt painfully real. His chemistry with Lady Gaga was electric, and his directorial debut proved he was just as capable behind the camera as he was in front of it.
Pat Solitano in Silver Linings Playbook (2012)
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The film that earned him his first Oscar nomination and silenced any critics who still saw him as just a “comedy guy.” Playing a man struggling with bipolar disorder, Cooper brought a raw, kinetic energy and frantic charm that perfectly complemented Jennifer Lawrence’s Oscar-winning performance.
Rocket Raccoon in the Guardians of the Galaxy Trilogy (2014–2023)
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It is a rare feat to become the “heart” of a billion-dollar franchise using only your voice. Cooper’s work as the cynical yet deeply wounded Rocket is a masterclass in voice acting, reaching a heartbreaking peak in Vol. 3 as we explored the character’s tragic origin story.
Chris Kyle in American Sniper (2014)
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Cooper underwent a massive physical transformation, gaining 40 pounds of muscle to play the deadliest sniper in U.S. history. Beyond the physicality, he captured the “thousand-yard stare” of combat trauma with a restrained, haunting intensity that earned him his third consecutive acting nomination.
Phil Wenneck in The Hangover (2009)
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The “Big Bang” moment of his career. As the arrogant, charismatic leader of the “Wolfpack,” Cooper became a global superstar overnight. Phil wasn’t just a funny character; he was the steady anchor that allowed the chaos of the film to work.
Richie DiMaso in American Hustle (2013)
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Permed hair, gold chains, and unhinged ambition—Cooper’s turn as the wild-card FBI agent Richie DiMaso was a hilarious and high-tension delight. It showcased his ability to play “pathetic” and “dangerous” in the same breath.
Stanton Carlisle in Nightmare Alley (2021)
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In Guillermo del Toro’s noir masterpiece, Cooper played a charismatic drifter who manipulates his way into high society. It is a dark, cynical role that relies on Cooper’s ability to project a charming facade while hiding a hollow soul, leading to one of the most chilling final shots in modern cinema.
Avery Cross in The Place Beyond the Pines (2012)
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Playing a rookie cop who makes a split-second decision that haunts him for decades, Cooper delivered a quiet, internal performance that contrasted sharply with the film’s more explosive elements. It remains a favorite among critics for its subtlety and moral complexity.
Jon Peters in Licorice Pizza (2021)
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In just a few minutes of screen time, Cooper nearly stole the entire movie. As the real-life eccentric producer Jon Peters, he was a comedic whirlwind of aggression and ego, earning a Supporting Actor nomination and proving he hasn’t lost his flair for the absurd.
