Bradley Cooper plays the lead role, Chris Kyle, in Clint Eastwood’s American Sniper, which he also co-produced.
The two-time Oscar-nominated actor, can currently be seen starring on Broadway in the role of John Merrick in “The Elephant Man.” Cooper previously performed the role at the Williamstown Theatre Festival in 2012. Directed by Scott Ellis, the Broadway production, also starring Patricia Clarkson and Alessandro Nivola, just opened to rave reviews and runs through Sunday, February 15, 2015.
Cooper recently wrapped production on an as-yet-untitled film directed by John Wells, in which he stars alongside Sienna Miller.
In May 2015, Cooper will star in an untitled Cameron Crowe film, opposite Emma Stone and Rachel McAdams.
Earlier in 2014, Cooper lent his voice to the character Rocket Raccoon in the action adventure “Guardians of the Galaxy.” Directed by James Gunn, the film became the surprise hit of the summer, grossing more than $770 million worldwide.
Cooper earned his most recent Oscar nomination, for Best Supporting Actor, for his portrayal of the unhinged FBI Agent Richie DiMaso in David O. Russell’s drama “American Hustle,” starring opposite Christian Bale, Amy Adams and Jennifer Lawrence. The film was nominated for 10 Academy Awards, including Best Picture. Cooper also received nominations for Golden Globe, BAFTA, Critics’ Choice and Satellite Awards, all in the category of Best Supporting Actor. In addition, the cast won the Screen Actors Guild (SAG) Award and the Critics’ Choice Award for Outstanding Performance by a Cast in a Motion Picture.
In 2013, Cooper reunited with Ed Helms and Zach Galifianakis in “The Hangover Part III,” the third installment of Todd Phillips’ blockbuster comedy trilogy, which collectively grossed more than $1.4 billion globally. Cooper reprised his role from “The Hangover,” which still ranks as the highest-grossing R-rated comedy domestically, and “The Hangover Part II,” which is the top-grossing R-rated comedy worldwide.
Previously in 2013, Cooper starred in the critically acclaimed drama “The Place Beyond the Pines,” directed by Derek Cianfrance and also starring Ryan Gosling and Eva Mendes. The film was recognized by the National Board of Review as one of their top 10 films of 2013.
Oscar Nominations
Cooper was nominated for an Oscar for Best Actor for his performance in the David O. Russell-directed 2012 drama “Silver Linings Playbook.” The film, also starring Jennifer Lawrence, Robert De Niro, Jacki Weaver and Chris Tucker, was nominated for eight Academy Awards, including Best Picture. Cooper was recognized by the National Board of Review for Best Actor and also won the Critics’ Choice Award for Best Actor in a Comedy for his performance. Additionally, he received nominations for a Golden Globe Award, for Best Actor in a Motion Picture – Comedy or Musical; a SAG Award, for Outstanding Male Actor in a Leading Role; an Independent Spirit Award, for Best Male Lead; and a BAFTA Award, for Best Actor in a Lead Role.
In March 2011, Cooper starred in the box office smash “Limitless,” and also served as a producer on the film, which was directed by Neil Burger and also starred Robert De Niro and Abbie Cornish. Cooper’s additional film credits include “The Words,” “The A-Team,” “New York I Love You,” “He’s Just Not That Into You,” “Hit and Run,” “Yes Man,” “All About Steve,” “Wedding Crashers,” “Wet Hot American Summer” and “Serena.”
Cooper made his Broadway debut in the spring of 2006 in Joe Montello’s production of “Three Days of Rain,” opposite Julia Roberts and Paul Rudd. In July 2008, Cooper joined the cast of the critically acclaimed Theresa Rebeck play “The Understudy,” which premiered at Williamstown Theatre Festival to rave reviews and sold out performances.
On television, Cooper played the character of Will Tippin on the hit ABC series “Alias,” which ran for five seasons. Cooper also starred in the F/X Drama “Nip/Tuck,” as well as Fox’s single-camera comedy “Kitchen Confidential,” based on the trials and tribulations of renowned chef Anthony Bourdain. His other television credits include “Jack & Bobby,” “Touching Evil,” and guest appearances on “Law & Order: SVU,” “Law & Order: Trial by Jury” and “Sex and the City.”
In March 2012, Cooper and Warner Bros. entered into a two-year first look deal for his Production Company 22nd & Indiana Pictures. In May 2014, Cooper joined forces with longtime friend and partner Todd Phillips to form a production company (currently unnamed) as producing partners for a three-year, first-look production deal with Warner.
Born in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, Cooper graduated with honors in the English program at Georgetown University. After moving to New York City, he obtained his Master of Fine Arts degree at the Actors Studio Drama School.
