Whether it’s on the stage of The Oscars or on the big screen, Bradley Cooper’s performances always capture the hearts of viewers everywhere. From iconic characters like Pat Solatano in Silver Linings Playbook to his well-recognized directorial debut with A Star Is Born, there’s no denying the undeniable talent of this actor, singer, and producer. Here’s a look at some of the most memorable performances from his impressive career.
Early Success in Film
Bradley Cooper’s career in the film industry began with a small role in 1999’s Wet Hot American Summer. In 2009 he was the breakout star of The Hangover which marked the start of his successful movie career. Other truly memorable performances of his early career included:
• The A-Team (2010)
• Hit and Run (2012)
• Silver Linings Playbook (2012)
• American Hustle (2013)
The Impact of A Star Is Born
When the remake of the 1937 A Star Is Born became a blockbuster in 2018, it was mostly thanks to the star power of Cooper. He co-starred with singer-songwriter Lady Gaga in a story of redemption and love. His portrayal of a musician’s struggles with addiction won the admiration of critics and audiences alike. In addition to starring, he also directed and co-wrote the screenplay.
His Lead Role in Joker
In 2019, Cooper tried his hand at producing a movie, this time with the dark and disturbing comic book drama called Joker. He successfully cast Joaquin Phoenix to star as the title character, which won praise and numerous awards, including an Academy Award for Phoenix’s performance.
Theater Success with The Elephant Man
The Elephant Man proved to be a major success with critics and audiences when it first hit the stage in 2014. In the play, Cooper played the lead as John Merrick, a disfigured young man ostracized by society. His performance won him a nomination for the Tony Award for Best Performance by an Actor in a Leading Role in a Play. Later, Cooper brought his theater success to the screen with a 2018 miniseries adaptation of the play in which he reprised his theater performance.
Hosting The Oscars
Cooper hosted the 91st Academy AwardsA- in 2019, where his presentation of Lady Gaga and Mark Ronson for their performance of “Shallow” from the movie A Star Is Born brought the house down. His genuine love for Gaga and the impromptu invitation to join him on stage made it one of the best 2014 Academy Award moments.
The Acclaim of 2020
In 2020, Cooper’s performance as Detective Harry Callahan in the gritty Die Hard-esque bodyguard movie The Man From Toronto was met with unanimous acclaim from critics and viewers alike. He also starred in the psychological thriller Maestro with Robert De Niro, showcasing his impressive dramatic and comedic chops.
As charismatic and talented as ever, Bradley Cooper is cementing his place in Hollywood history with performances that stay with viewers long after the closing credits roll.
