Bradley Cooper covers the May issue of Details to promote both The Place Beyond the Pines and The Hangover Part III. Bradley’s had a busy schedule lately. Just yesterday, he and his perm were facing off against punks on the set of David O. Russell’s Abscam movie that has finally been titled American Hustle, which sounds like a bit of a pr0ny title, no?
Outside of work, Bradley is still quite interested in his 20-year-old model girlfriend, Suki Waterhouse. The two were even spotted kissing in Paris last week, so I guess BCoop’s found a way to stop being blocked by his live-in mom because he’s been away working so much lately. To recap, Bradley moved his mom in with him nearly two years ago after his father passed away, and Details broaches the subject with Bradley. The answer is surprisingly sweet, frank, and practical, and he does admit that the arrangement is “not without complications.” I’m proud of old BCoop for taking care of his mother, aren’t you? Here are some excerpts:
Did he have a lonely childhood? “No, but I was sort of isolated. I would definitely have a lot of time alone–but I was always around people. Much like my life now: alone, but around people.”
He struggles with fame: “During the filming of Hangover 2 in Thailand, I used to envy Zach [Galifianakis], because he would go on these long walks all the time by himself. I remember thinking, ‘I want to do that.’ I don’t really do that very well . . . like, just go chill by myself. Or go eat dinner by myself. I wanted to just be okay being on my own. And I wasn’t. I don’t know what’s happened, maybe the death of my father or that I’m getting older, but I realize that I enjoy it tremendously now . . . being alone. I can stay alone for days. And be okay. I never thought that would happen. But I love being alone now.”
Does he want to be a dad? “I really hope I have that experience in my life. I saw how much joy fatherhood gave my own dad. So I hope it’s part of my journey. You go through stages in your life, and fatherhood seems like a natural stage.”
Mom still lives with him: “The best way I can answer that is to say we’re surviving. Both of us. Let’s face it: It’s probably not easy for her, by the way, to be living with her son. It’s life. And right now, two years after my father’s death, this is where we are. My family is very close, and my dad dying was brutal for all of us. It was a schism, and its aftershock has not stopped. And we need each other. So here we are. But don’t get me wrong. It’s not without complications. It’s not like I live in a compound and she’s in the guesthouse. No. She’s in the next room. But here’s the thing: She’s a cool chick. We can hang, and she can roll with the punches. If that wasn’t the case, there’s no way.”
Did the Oscar nom change him? “Not so much. That whole experience was fun and amazing, but I try not to get too carried away with that stuff. And maybe if you start feeling a little too big for your britches, hop on the Internet and take a look at some message boards for five seconds. It’s not something I do often, but if you do, it’ll take you right back down. Oh, my God. First of all, let’s be honest: It’s incredibly narcissistic to do that. And masochistic. You want to feel sh*tty about yourself? Boom–it’s easy. To me, this business is the ultimate humbling experience. You’re constantly dealing with rejection. My journey has not been people kissing my ass.”
On people’s perceptions of him: “I never thought about it until I got nominated and then so many people were like, ‘What the f***?” I had no idea how many people didn’t think I was really an actor. That surprised me. To me, I look at that guy in The Hangover, and that’s a full character that I worked on with the director to fit the story. Just like Sack Lodge in Wedding Crashers. So I’m creating characters that I think are full and rich, and everyone thought I was that guy. People must have thought I was that dude–this cocky a**hole of a guy. But that’s what people had to go on.”
[From Details]
I wonder if when Bradley speaks of, uh, “internet message boards” that he is familiar with a certain affectionate nickname that I and Kaiser have used for him more than once. Bradley, if you’re listening, we don’t really think you’re a serial killer — promise. You just kind of look like one sometimes. A lot of times, actually. But you’re probably a really nice guy since you’re really close to your mother. Kind of like Norman Bates. Just kidding. Maybe.
Now back to our regularly scheduled programming where we don’t try to break the fourth wall of futility. Here’s Bradley with his amazing perm on the American Hustle/Abascam set. You don’t even want to know how much sheer happiness I glean from these photos.
Photos courtesy of Fame/Flynet and Details
“Alone, but around people”
This was a great interview. He sounds honest and intelligent. I really liked his answer about the living with mom situation. I admire him for stepping up and taking care of his mom.
Agree so much, I admire him too for taking care of his mother! And it sounds like he has to defend his decision, which I think is ridiculous. He’s there for his mother, most people wouldn’t be.
What I find creepy about him though is his 20-year old girlfriend. He seems so smart and humble. I really don’t get it.
Agree with everything you just wrote – including the girlfriend.
That doesn’t seem to make sense. He and Zoe Saldana did (age range, profession). And he’s still older than Zoe Saldana. But not by that much.
Especially since he was quoted as saying there was no way he could be with JLaw in real life bc he could “literally be her father.” LOL, semantics aside with the “literally” part, JLaw is 22 – as in a couple years older than this model chick! So..yeah… mixed messages about the age thing. Just saying.
ETA: Just thought about this…he was a grown man dealing with his father’s death and moving his mother in with him, while handling a busy movie career while this girl (though not dating him at the time) was still in high school…I would think that puts things in perspective.
The most speculation that has been going around is that JLaw “friend zoned” him, and that the “I could literally be her father” line was him repeating something she probably said to him when he may have put the moves on her. Either way, it looks a little strange that he’s dating someone YOUNGER than Jennifer Lawrence after making that statement. I am annoyed by this Suki brawd and wish she would get flushed down the ex toilet as well…
That perm is killing me softly. OMG.
I think that it’s sweet having is mom live with him. Losing a parent is brutal and it takes years to come to terms with the new reality of them not being there.
Two years is quite a bit of time after a loss to still be so heavily influenced by acute grief. Don’t get me wrong, a close family death is something that impacts the rest of a person’s life. However, continuing to play house as mother and son is likely to keep either one from truly healing and moving on. Hard to meet a new flame and really see where it can go if your home is off limits. Most people live together before marriage. Every relationship has an expiration date when you’ve got your mom/son taking up so much physical and emotional space in your life.
After losing a parent? I don’t think two years is that long. You’re right that you wouldn’t want to be stunted in your grief..but I think they’ve found something that works.
I agree with Buckwild. You never now how losing a parent will impact you. Some people are able to move on easier, but my dad and father in law passed away and it rocked our world! The first 2 years were definitely the hardest for us!
I agree. I lost my own father young, and while it does take a long time to heal, it is also important to move on and try to start living again.
He lives half his year probably on location, three months each shoot. It’s not like he is with his mom 24/7. I think he’s a great son and it changes the family dynamic for quite a while. Our family was really fragile and leaned heavily on each other after losing my mother.
Exactly, it isn’t like he has been in one place for 2 years…and even if he was I think it is still sweet.
@ACL 2 years isn’t a long time at all. My grandmother passed a year ago and she was the driving force in our family. My therapist said that the 2nd and 3rd years after someone dies are the worst to deal with. That’s when the shock wears off. Everyone grieves differently though. I think it’s admirable he moved his mother in so they could be close and have each other to deal with the lost of his father.
Two years might seem long for a son, but not for a wife. Sounds like he’s a great son and doing right by his mom.
ACL,
I totally agree with you, there is a dependency that is not healthy for a 38 year old. “mature man” and also unfair to bring a girlfriend (who is looking for a future with you) into your Norman Bates hotel situation.
So, he’ll always be looking for really young girls who won’t demand grownup performance.
Gipsy, I totally agree with you. Plus,something doesn’t add up in this man.Lol
I come from a culture where it is perfectly normal for adult children to live with their parents and are expected to take care of them in old age. Sure, you have to give up some of your freedom as an adult, but most of our parents or guardians sacrificed a whole lot more to bring us into this world and protect us from harm, so I just see taking care of loved ones as commendable and an admirable quality I would look for in a mate. Westerners are more individualistic about this stuff and a grown up who still lives with his or her parents is often labelled a loser. However, there is a lot to be said about so many old people who end up alone or in abusive senior care homes. I wish more children would step up to the plate and at least check in from time to time and help support their parents when they need the help. This makes me like Cooper more than I did in the past. He seems like a great son.
I wish our culture was more like yours. And I agree, this interview actually made him palatable to me.
I know! I like him so much better now!!
Agree. Also, some adult kids and their parents just enjoy each others company, and understand the immense value of having people around you who are totally in your corner.
My daughter, who is very ambitious and independent, has told me many times that she wants us to live together once she has established her career (she just started college). By American standards that is weird, but according to most other cultures throughout most of history, it is the most normal and sensible thing in the world.
Kibbles, I come from a culture too where children live with their parents into adulthood and it’s considered normal. I completely get it. I think the way Bradley treats his mom is a really big reflection of how he is as a person, anyone for that matter.
Agree. I like his comments and respect his choice.
I’m brazilian and here it’s the same. I’m 25 and I will probably only leave my parents house the day I get married or if I need to move cities because of my job. It’s just the way it is here. With my older sister was the same, she got married and is leaving in another state. She is 28 and my mom still call her almost every day to hear how she is.
Ding ding dingg! Multi-generational households are the norm in most of the world, and used to be the norm in the Western world, too. Nothing wrong with living with your parents. Seniors get a place to live with people who are more invested in them than in nursing homes; adults know that their parents or elderly family members are secure; and if there are children in the home, they get to spend time with and can be cared for by their grandparents. Heck, even pets can benefit from the arrangement.
Of course, if your parents were shitty parents themselves, you might not wanna trust them with your kids….lol.
I listened to stories from my mom, father and aunts and uncles about growing up in the early twentieth century in this country.
Families were usually large back then because birth control was not advanced as it is now. Living at home until marriage was the norm, a sibling or two not marrying was also not unusual and they usually cared for the parents. Those adult children working were expected to contribute to the household expenses. It was also not unusual for extended family to live with them, anyone from grandparents all the way to cousins. Siblings living together to save money was also common.
Now people expect their kids to get out when they go to college, which some cultures in the world feel is barbaric and unhealthy. If they are not out and on their own by the time they get out of college, people think they are odd.
Adults taking care of their parents is seen as a chore, a phase of life they have to endure, rather than an act of love and remembering their parents loved and took care of them.
That’s a bit how my mom’s side of the family is. They don’t all live together, but they’re very close. My dad’s side isn’t. My dad’s dad passes our house everyday on his way to work, and we only see him three or four times a year at most. If my grandma, or my aunts and uncles lived thirty minutes away we’d see them everyday and be wanting them to leave!
Right now, my mom’s having a hard time dealing with her mom because she wants her to move in with one us (my grandma’s 73), and she won’t…she’s very stubborn. So in my family, it’s not that odd to me. We’re used to taking care of our old people, and taking in babies when the parents aren’t acting right or need to get themselves together.
When my older sister was around ten, and I was a toddler, my mom went to sea for about two years while we stayed with our aunt-so she could pay her bills off.
So I definitely wish that things were still like how you describe in America. My neighbors, the Caspary’s are self sufficient, because Mr. Caspary can get around by himself, but he’s ninety years old and won’t be able to do that for much longer. I worry about what’ll happen if he gets hurt and she can’t get to the phone because of her walker.
Ms. Smurf, I have a terrible time remembering user names. Are you the one from the U.P.? Because I grew up there and although there weren’t many multigenerational households (this was in the 80s), it seemed as though people lived a lot closer to their families back then. Good luck to the Casparys; it is so tough getting to be truly elderly. (My grandma is 92, sharp as a tack, and lost my grandfather a few months ago the day before his 94th birthday in Marquette. She recently bought my older sister a house close by so that sis and her kids can be close and help the home health aides, and it’s working out really well, despite the fact that Grandma is a bit of a “handful,” because my sis is a single mom.) My own parents are seriously dysfunctional (they raised me in a series of drug houses and now they have added mental illness to the mix), so we will never have multigenerational living as long as my children are still living here. Which is sad. But I could see us living-in with my MIL when the time comes and if she feels she needs it.
In sum, and to stay on topic: kudos to BCoop.
I come from a similar culture. People here to tend live close to family, and it’s common to have your parents move in after a certain age. My grandmother lives with us, although she has her own place a floor above us. Same thing with my other grandmother and grandfather, they live with my uncle, though a floor above them in the same house.
It’s the whole concept that parents have sacrificed so much for you when you were a child that it’s almost an obligation to take care of your parents when they can’t themselves.
I come from a culture that family members are dependent on each other too. My grandmothers (both of them)stay with us in our compound. Am 28yo and I talk to my mom everyday. When we marry and give birth our mothers come to stay with us for as long as we both want and they teach and help us take care of the baby. When they grow older and are less mobile, they move in with us permanently. This works for everybody. I don’t know why its weird in the western culture. Its just what it is
I used to watch Alias, and loved him because of his character on there. It’s funny that he says people think he’s an a-hole because his characters are a-holes. I’m the opposite – I think he’s a sweetheart because his Alias character was.
I loved Alias! That’s the first thing I remember seeing him in. He was all young & blond & wore glasses.
Haha the first thing I saw him in was Wedding Crashers. So yeah, def associated him as being a true jerk in real life for a while after that – he played that role a little too well!! LOL
Actually, I saw he and Zoe Saldana’s movie they did together just recently, kind of just happened upon it on OnDemand..not even searching for it/knowing anything about it. It’s called ‘The Words.’ You people seriously need to see it. It was so great and moving and unique! I wasnt the biggest BCoop fan, but after SLP and then this one, I have so much more respect for his talent and work.
I agree! I loved him on Alias…he played such a good friend. I think some actors have a heard time doing the “genuine” thing without seeming cheesy. He nailed it.
Huge Alias fan here! I’ve known about Bradley since then too. People only started noticing him when The Hangover came out (which I still haven’t seen and have no desire to really). He was such a sweet best friend to Jennifer Garner’s Sydney Bristow. I would love to see those two act again together. Probably my favorite moment on Alias was when his character found out Sydney Bristow was a double agent. His yell and his face was so priceless!
That is so awesome that he’s taking care of his mother. I would do the same for my parents, if needed. Imagine how hard it would be to continue to live in the house you shared with your spouse of 40, 50, years, now by yourself? My girlfriend’s husband died suddenly after their 5th anniversary. She moved back in with her parents for awhile, and it is still going through the grieving process. Completely understandable.
As far as his looks I have never ever been into Bradley Cooper before, but DAMN, that perm is HOT. I need to touch those curls.
What is wrong with me?
I’ve said it before, and I’ll say it again: watch Kitchen Confidential. I still have my B.Coop love because of that show.
Haha! Seriously, what’s wrong with you? 😉
The perm is awful, he’s so sexy with short hair! Okay, taste differs. I’ll give you that 🙂
I started liking him more now that I know that he is such a good son.
…And Bradley, seriously, just pick the next role as a serious killer, and Oscar is yours!
I agree he seems very intelligent in interviews. I respect how he treats his mom and his honor of his family and dad. It is odd that a man (38) more self aware would date a 20 year old? Maybe he wants a break from his heavy thinking and just to get it on and have fun. Kinda shallow, but he once said he has a huge infatuation with Julie Christie from dr, zhavago, suki Waterhouse reminds me of her. His other brain may be thinking in this instance.
You know, he does come across as a very well rounded, intelligent person in interviews. Which is why I don’t understand why he’s making such poor choices in his personal life lately. Seriously Bradley, get it together.
By the way, what you cut out of the interview was him saying he was alone in Paris. Which, as one of your links show, is inaccurate. I thought it was funny he’d say alone when there are pictures to prove otherwise.
If you ever get the chance to watch him on Inside The Actor’s Studio, it really is a game-changer. He is absolutely amazing. It was filmed when his father was still alive, and both his parents were in the audience. He is so sweet, so humble, so overwhelmed to be on that stage with his former professor. It’s impossible to walk away from that interview and not love him.
A transition might be a house of his own in the same area, still close to Mom but with some space to be an independent adult. You might think you are if you live with your parents but it’s still different than being on your own.
My son lived at home until he was 28. Finally he said “Mom, if I don’t leave now, I’ll be here when I’m 40.” It’s been great for both of us.
Ok BCoop, you win this round. You still have a smug, emu, serial killer face and I still think there’s more than a whiff of Norman bates about you HOWEVER you’re looking after your mum and that’s sweet.
This interview makes him seem sweet, I think that any woman that doesn’t respect the fact that he is taking care of his mother after the loss of his father, isn’t worth the time anyway. Remember to notice the way a man treats his mother as that will be how he treats you one day.
Not to put a damper on how awesome this situation is, I’ve seen the bad it can become. My paternal grandparents lived with us for years when I was a child. G-ma was so emotionally abusive to my mom (calling her fat, a bad mom, making her sleep on the floor pregnant while she slept on her bed). My dad always defended his parents. My mom ended up heavily medicated to deal with the situation and even 20 years later, it’s the same. While I’m sure BCoop’s mom is sweet, I guess I’m just trying to say that this type of thing only works out if everyone’s on the same page.
Toxic parents need to kept at a distance, and their children have already paid their dues in childhood and have no further obligation. But nontoxic parents are a different matter.
I thought he was an *sshole too because of his character in Wedding Crashers. He is cute but I agree he would make a great serial killer character.
It is sweet that he’s taking care of her after such a terrible event. I already told my parents that when they get older that there will always be a place in my house for them. My mom is only 20 years older than I am so I can imagine us being gray haired and old together and I think that’s kind of sweet.
If it’s working for them, then I don’t see a problem, but eventually I’d think they’d both want to have a little independence again. If he were home every day it’d be different too, he’s probably off working a lot.
Gah, I love him so much! I’d even hit it while he has that ugly perm 😀
I really admire him for taking care of his Mom. I’m sure his father is proud of him for being a man and doing the right thing. His mother is very lucky. I would so let my mom move in with me…it would be challenging but I would not be able to live with myself if I did not do the right thing.
Agreed. I think his parents raised him right and hope that wherever he is, his father is looking down on him all proud.
For me, Coop’s mom staying with him is not a BFD. I’m surprised he even gets asked about it but I have to remind myself that parents living with their older children in no very common in America. When I visit home I still live at my parents. In fact I’m expected to go home straight from the airport and home means mom and dad’s. I have been living by myself for the last 9-10 years because of living in different cities and I find it hard to live with my folks around me all the time when I visit them, but I grew up in a culture where it’s common for parents to stay with their children or at least stay close by to their children’s homes. Since the time I moved out, it’s very normal for my parents to call me everyday and check on me even if the call is only for 5-10 minutes.
The oscar nom HAS changed him. He used to be known as the dude from Hangover, and his career was in the make or break Ryan Reynolds mould (a list, but aA list?) and now he’s seen as a bona fide, heavyweight actor with box office shazam and credibility. He’s come a long way from his Alias days…
My love for Bradley has been steadily increasing of late (the sketchiness of such a young girlfriend aside). I don’t care about the serial-killer vibe, I would. I so would.
I thinks it’s wonderful he and his mother have such a great relationship, but I have to wonder what she must think if the 20-year-olds. 😉
Don’t be too hard on him for the 20 yr old GF- grief is so draining, and prob he and his mom have had plenty of sad moments. He prob is enjoying the company of someone who’s upbeat and – hate to say it- perky!
I think you make a good point.
+ 1 to both of you!
Love him even more than when I heard him give an entire interview in fluent french…swoon.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ii7LZAxR1I4
WOW! I had no idea he spoke the language, let alone so wonderfully! This guy is really doing it for me lately…
Gah, he looks like a grown up version of my college boyfriend with that perm. Not bad, just jarring!
Do my eyes deceive me? More posiive than negative responses when it comes to BCoop? I’m shocked 😉
I like him. I find him good looking only sometimes but he’s a good actor and I think he has a solid career ahead of him.
i need me a son…they’re so f*cking loyal.
what a great guy. 😀
I’m sorry but that is creepy. It is wonderful that he’s staying with her but in two years he could have helped her meet a bunch of widows in her situation.
He’s trying to earn points with his Mama’s boy mentality.
I bet he ran home a lot even when his dad was alive.
Living together is something that has obviously provided Bradley and his mother with much needed comfort and support following his father’s death – which was probably quite horrific and confronting.
And whilst you find that they have shared a home for two years “creepy”, may I point out that everyone grieves differently, and some people never fully recover from the trauma of a loved one’s death. Putting a deadline on how much time you are allowed is impossible, and insensitive.
I am incredibly proud of him for taking care of his mother. All good children should be willing to do the same for theirs. I hardly feel it has anything to do with “earning points” with his mother.
And finally, I am sure he did “run home” often whilst his dad was alive. You see, his father was dying, and as Bradley said himself, it was “brutal”. So yeah. He probably was at home a lot.
He was already on his own and learned how to take care of himself. Obviously he and his mother have become adult friends. My mother would have driven me nuts… But some parents are very compatible with their adult children. It’s not as though they’re stuck in an efficiency apartment, tripping over each other.
Grace, I’m with you. Totally creepy. I don’t understand these mothers unable to cut the “umbilical cord”. No wonder then if a grown up man is uncapable of establishing serious relationships.
He looks like a Greek god. Sigh.
I love the part where he says “She’s a cool chick.”
Nothing hotter than a man who is good to his momma.
Yes. This. If he’s that good to his mother/family, then he’ll be that good to you. Rules of nature.
And this is the exact reason my mama married my dad. She studied abroad in France and my dad was her host brother. She got to observe my dad for an entire year and saw how he helped out his mother, by going grocery shopping for her and helping her out around the house. 30 years later, they are still happy and still together. 🙂
I agree he does sound very sweet about his mom.
But what’s with the bad perm?? LOL are they doing another Brady Bunch movie??
(1) Perm is dreadful
(2) He is a good looking man minus the facial hair
(3) Sorry, he is too old to be living with mom. Have her as a neighbor – close enough to visit – but do not live with your mom when you are an adult man.
His house is probably big enough that he is usually further away from her than I am from my neighbor’s across the street in the other side of the block….
Anyone else think he looks like a young Lindsey Buckingham in those last two photos?
@Al: That’s it! I couldn’t figure out who he reminded me of with the perm….hmmm that explains why he looks so hot.
If only he could act.. zero stage presence.
I’ve never really been a fan of his, but I love him for this. I moved back home after my father passed away 3 years ago. It was a hard transition for me (I had left home 12 years earlier), and still is at times, but I will do anything to support my mum and we do get along, most of the time. She’s pretty cool.
WAIT…didn’t he say something along the lines of being “too old”, or there being “too big an age gap” to date Jennifer Lawrence?!?!? Is Jennifer lawrence older than his girlfriend? OH SNAP.
On a different note, I love the mom stuff. If he were some sort of 40 year old gamer living in his mom’s basement without a job, it’d be different. This is fine.
Checking in late to the party, it’s been quite a day!
He looks sexy as hell with the sleazy gigolo look! YES YES BABY, BE MY PIMP!!
****Does he want to be a dad? “I really hope I have that experience in my life. I saw how much joy fatherhood gave my own dad. So I hope it’s part of my journey. You go through stages in your life, and fatherhood seems like a natural stage.”****
Does that sound to anyone like he doesn’t really have a DESIRE to be a father, but more like he wouldn’t mind being a father?
Also, he moved his mother in with him, he didn’t go back home to live with his mom after his father died. When you’re tied to someone and they “leave” you after so many years together there is a certain disconnect that is heartbreaking, being close to loved ones is something of a healing presence. It’s different than someone who just doesn’t seem to have their life together and they gotta go back to the nest. Every man is a mama’s boy I think. It’s a question of is he the kind that allows an overbearing mother to get in your business or not. Bradley is simply the kind that loves and respects his mother and will do anything for her. I doubt he will marry and continue to seek input from her and not work things out with his wife first. Plus his mom is Italian, it’s an Italian thing too
I want to find a non-famous version of Bradley Cooper somewhere. When I read or watch his interviews, he seems like the most grounded, humble, awesome guy. I wish he was just a regular guy living down the street from me instead of a big famous movie star. Sigh.
I think I’m the only one that just doesn’t find him appealing. It’s nice that he takes care of his mom.. but he is just so bland.