For the American actor and filmmaker Bradley Cooper, it is his versatile roles on the big screen that have made him one of Hollywood’s most celebrated stars. His career journey began in television before he began landing roles in films. His journey has seen Cooper bag numerous awards, including four Oscar nominations with his performance in American Sniper (2014). From cult favorites like The Hangover trilogy to blockbuster hits of the decade, here’s a look at some of Bradley Cooper’s most memorable roles in movies.
The Hangover Trilogy
No other role has probably given Bradley Cooper an identity as much as that of Phil in The Hangover trilogy. His portrayal of the character Phil in this trilogy of comedy films created by Todd Phillips helped Cooper garner the spotlight of stardom. The first movie was released in 2009 and was a commercial and critical success. The movie depicts the story of Phil and his friends as they embark on a road trip full of wild experiences and escapades. The third and final installment in the series was released in 2013. Along with a universal award win, Cooper won a People’s Choice Award for Best Comedic Movie Actor for his role in The Hangover Part III (2013).
A Star is Born
The musical romantic drama A Star is Born (2018) marked Bradley Cooper’s Hollywood directorial debut. The remake of the 1937 classic film of the same name starred him alongside Lady Gaga and follows the story of musician Jackson Maine (Cooper) who discovers and falls in love with a small-town singer named Ally (Gaga). The movie was commercially and critically successful, winning numerous awards and accolades, including an Oscar for Best Original Song and a Golden Globe for Best Motion Picture. Cooper was nominated for an Oscar, as well as a Golden Globe and a BAFTA for his role in the film.
Silver Linings Playbook
The 2012 romantic comedy-drama Silver Linings Playbook marked Bradley Cooper’s third collaboration with David O. Russell. He stars in the movie alongside Jennifer Lawrence and Robert De Niro. It is the story of Pat, played by Cooper, who is released from an institution and tries to win back his estranged wife, as well as deal with his bipolar disorder. Cooper received numerous awards for his portrayal of Pat, including an Oscar nomination for his performance in the movie.
American Sniper
Released in 2014, American Sniper was a major commercial success, earning over $550 million globally, and was the highest grossing film of that year. Cooper played the lead role in the war movie directed by Clint Eastwood and based on the autobiography of the same name written by Navy SEAL sniper Chris Kyle. Cooper is brilliantly unexpected as Kyle – the deadliest sniper in American history. He was nominated for an Academy Award, a Critics’ Choice Movie Award, and a Golden Globe for his role in the film.
Other Notable Movies
Apart from the roles mentioned above, Cooper has delivered several noteworthy performances in other movies too. A few of them include:
-Wedding Crashers (2005) -Cooper played the role of a groom in The Hangover director Todd Phillips’s directorial debut and the movie was a commercial success
-The A-Team (2010) -Cooper played the role of Lieutenant Templeton “Faceman” Peck in the action-adventure movie
-Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2 (2017) -Cooper voiced the role of Rocket Raccoon in the superhero movie
-Rocketman (2019) -Cooper starred in the biographical film as John Reid, the manager of Elton John
-Joker (2019) -Cooper co-produced the movie and was a part of its soundtrack
Bradley Cooper has delivered some exceptional performances and taken up some challenging roles in his career. From lighthearted comedies to serious dramatic pieces, Cooper’s dynamism as a performer has allowed him to shine in a number of different genres of films. His work has gained critical acclaim, earned him an Oscar nomination, and established him as one of Hollywood’s A-list stars.
