Rise to Success: Career Highlights of Bradley Cooper
How Bradley Cooper built a successful career. Explore key moments that defined the journey.
Bradley Cooper is a highly acclaimed American actor and filmmaker recognized with numerous awards, including a British Academy Film Award and three Grammy Awards. He has received multiple nominations for Academy Awards, Golden Globe Awards, and a Tony Award. Cooper's influence is further evidenced by his appearances on the Forbes Celebrity 100 and Time's 100 most influential people list. His films have collectively grossed $13 billion globally, securing his position as one of the world's highest-paid actors on multiple occasions.
1999: First TV Role in Sex and the City
In 1999, Bradley Cooper began his television career with a guest role in the TV series Sex and the City, marking his entry into the entertainment industry.
1999: Television Debut in Sex and the City
In 1999, Bradley Cooper made his television debut with a brief appearance in Sex and the City, starting his acting career.
2000: Presenter on Globe Trekker
In 2000, Cooper served as a presenter on the tourism series Globe Trekker, showcasing his versatility.
2001: Film Debut in Wet Hot American Summer
In 2001, Bradley Cooper made his film debut with a starring role in the comedy Wet Hot American Summer, launching his movie career.
2001: Success in Alias
In 2001, Cooper achieved success in the television series Alias, playing the role of Will Tippin.
2002: Acted in Changing Lanes
In 2002, Cooper acted in the psychological thriller Changing Lanes, although his scenes were cut from the final film but included in the DVD and Blu-ray releases.
2003: Starred in Miss Match
In 2003, Cooper acted in the TV series Miss Match.
2004: Cast in Wedding Crashers
In 2004, during a period of recovery from an injury and considering quitting acting, Cooper was cast in Wedding Crashers, which would later improve his career prospects.
September 2005: Starred in Kitchen Confidential
In September 2005, Cooper starred in the sitcom Kitchen Confidential, based on a memoir by Anthony Bourdain, but the show was canceled after four episodes.
2005: Release of 'Wedding Crashers'
In 2005, 'Wedding Crashers', one of Bradley Cooper's most critically and commercially successful films, was released.
2005: Gained Recognition in Wedding Crashers
In 2005, Cooper gained additional recognition with a supporting part in the comedy film Wedding Crashers, boosting his career.
March 2006: Starred in Three Days of Rain on Broadway
In March 2006, Cooper starred as Pip/Theo in Three Days of Rain on Broadway with Julia Roberts and Paul Rudd, marking his Broadway debut.
2006: Filmed Case 39
In 2006, Cooper filmed the psychological horror Case 39, a delayed production that was released in 2009.
2006: Left Alias Due to Frustration
In 2006, Cooper's time on Alias ended, as he requested to be written off the show due to decreasing screen time and frustration.
2007: Appeared in Nip/Tuck
In 2007, Cooper appeared in the fifth season of Nip/Tuck as Aidan Stone, a television star.
2008: Starred in The Midnight Meat Train
In 2008, Cooper played the lead role in the horror film The Midnight Meat Train, directed by Ryuhei Kitamura, a departure from his previous comedic roles.
February 2009: Hosted Saturday Night Live
In February 2009, Cooper hosted Saturday Night Live with musical guest TV on the Radio, showcasing his comedic and hosting skills.
2009: Release of 'The Hangover'
In 2009, 'The Hangover', one of Bradley Cooper's most critically and commercially successful films, was released.
2009: Alzheimer's Association Campaign
In 2009, Bradley Cooper participated in an Alzheimer's Association campaign to increase awareness about Alzheimer's disease.
2009: Breakthrough Role in The Hangover
In 2009, Cooper had his breakthrough role in The Hangover, a commercially successful comedy.
2009: Featured in Case 39
In 2009, Cooper was featured in the psychological horror Case 39, a delayed production that had been filmed in 2006.
2010: Guest Host of WWE Raw
In June 2010, Cooper appeared as a guest host of WWE Raw, showcasing his diverse appearances.
2011: Release of 'Limitless'
In 2011, 'Limitless', one of Bradley Cooper's most critically and commercially successful films, was released.
2012: Release of 'Silver Linings Playbook'
In 2012, 'Silver Linings Playbook', one of Bradley Cooper's most critically and commercially successful films, was released.
2012: Filming Serena
In 2012, Bradley Cooper filmed Serena alongside Jennifer Lawrence. The film was directed by Susanne Bier and is based on Ron Rash's novel, following a married couple involved in criminal activities. However, the film was released in 2014.
2012: Greater Success in Silver Linings Playbook
In 2012, Bradley Cooper found greater success with the romantic comedy Silver Linings Playbook, marking a significant achievement in his career.
2012: Starred in The Place Beyond the Pines
In 2012, Cooper starred in The Place Beyond the Pines.
2012: Starred in Four Films
In 2012, Cooper starred in four films: The Words, Hit and Run, The Place Beyond the Pines, and Silver Linings Playbook, marking a busy and diverse year in his career.
2013: Release of 'American Hustle'
In 2013, 'American Hustle', one of Bradley Cooper's most critically and commercially successful films, was released.
2013: The Hangover Part III Release and American Hustle
In 2013, Bradley Cooper reprised his role in "The Hangover Part III", which was commercially successful despite poor reviews. Later in 2013, he played a supporting role in "American Hustle", which was both a critical and commercial success. He also received multiple award nominations for his role in the film.
2013: Starred in The Hangover Part III
In 2013, Cooper starred in The Hangover Part III.
June 2014: Joins Board of Directors for Hole in the Wall Gang Camp
In June 2014, Bradley Cooper joined the board of directors for the charity Hole in the Wall Gang Camp, which serves people coping with cancer.
2014: American Sniper Release
In 2014, Bradley Cooper starred in and co-produced "American Sniper", a biographical war drama directed by Clint Eastwood. Cooper portrayed Chris Kyle, undergoing extensive training and gaining weight for the role. The film was a commercial success and Cooper received an Academy Award nomination for Best Actor.
2014: Starred in and Produced American Sniper
In 2014, Cooper starred in and produced the war biopic American Sniper, showcasing his expanding role in filmmaking.
2014: Releases of 'Guardians of the Galaxy' and 'American Sniper'
In 2014, two of Bradley Cooper's most critically and commercially successful films, 'Guardians of the Galaxy' and 'American Sniper', were released. He also appeared in a Broadway revival of The Elephant Man, for which he was nominated for a Tony Award.
2015: Speaks at The National Geographic Society
In 2015, Bradley Cooper spoke at The National Geographic Society for Got Your 6 to help ensure military veterans are better represented in popular culture.
2015: Aloha, Burnt, and Joy Releases
In 2015, Bradley Cooper starred in "Aloha", which faced controversy, and "Burnt", where he played a chef. He also had a supporting role in "Joy", reuniting with David O. Russell and Jennifer Lawrence. None of these films were successful at the box office.
2015: Reprised Role in Wet Hot American Summer Prequel
In 2015, Cooper reprised his role in the prequel to Wet Hot American Summer, a Netflix series called Wet Hot American Summer: First Day of Camp.
April 2016: Participates in Launch of Parker Institute
In April 2016, Bradley Cooper participated in the launch of the Parker Institute for Cancer Immunotherapy, which works for cancer patients.
2016: Attends Democratic National Convention
In 2016, Bradley Cooper attended the Democratic National Convention to hear then-president Barack Obama speak, clarifying his support for Obama.
2016: Voice Cameo and Supporting Role
In 2016, Bradley Cooper had a voice cameo in "10 Cloverfield Lane" and a supporting role in "War Dogs", which he co-produced through his company Joint Effort.
2017: Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2
In 2017, Bradley Cooper reprised his role as the voice of Rocket Raccoon in "Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2".
August 2018: A Star Is Born Premieres at Venice Film Festival
In August 2018, Bradley Cooper's directorial debut, "A Star Is Born", premiered at the 75th Venice International Film Festival. The film was released worldwide in October and received critical acclaim.
2018: Release of 'A Star Is Born'
In 2018, 'A Star Is Born', one of Bradley Cooper's most critically and commercially successful films, was released.
2018: The Mule Release
In 2018, Bradley Cooper reunited with Clint Eastwood in "The Mule", where he played a DEA agent.
2019: Joker Co-production and Avengers: Endgame
In 2019, Bradley Cooper co-produced "Joker", which became the highest-grossing R-rated film. He also returned as Rocket in "Avengers: Endgame".
2019: Produced Joker
In 2019, Cooper produced the thriller Joker, further establishing his role behind the camera.
2021: Licorice Pizza and Nightmare Alley Releases
In 2021, Bradley Cooper starred in "Licorice Pizza" and "Nightmare Alley", both of which received critical acclaim but had poor box office performance. He garnered his fourth nomination for the Academy Award for Best Picture for producing Nightmare Alley.
2021: Produced Nightmare Alley
In 2021, Cooper produced the thriller Nightmare Alley, continuing his work as a producer.
2022: Voicing Rocket in Disney+ Series and Holiday Special
In 2022, Bradley Cooper voiced Rocket in the Disney+ series "I Am Groot" and the special "The Guardians of the Galaxy Holiday Special".
2023: Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3 and Maestro
In 2023, Bradley Cooper voiced Rocket in "Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3". He also directed, produced, co-wrote, and starred in "Maestro", a biographical drama about Leonard Bernstein. The film sparked controversy over Cooper's use of a prosthetic nose.
2023: Starred in and Directed Maestro
In 2023, Cooper co-wrote, directed, and starred in the biographical drama Maestro, playing Leonard Bernstein.
2024: Not Involved in Joker Sequel
In 2024, it was revealed that Bradley Cooper was not involved in the sequel to the film Joker.
February 2025: Directing Is This Thing On?
In February 2025, Bradley Cooper is set to direct and work as a camera operator on the comedy film "Is This Thing On?" for Searchlight Pictures.
