Bradley Cooper Opens Up About How Fatherhood Changed His Life
In a recent episode of the “Armchair Expert” podcast, actor and director Bradley Cooper got candid about how fatherhood has completely transformed his life. The 46-year-old star, known for his roles in “A Star Is Born” and “Maestro,” revealed that his 6-year-old daughter, Lea De Seine Shayk Cooper, has had a profound impact on him.
Cooper described the experience of becoming a father as having a massive anchor dropped into his life. He explained, “I just needed someone to say, ‘We’re gonna drop this massive anchor.’ And I’m like, ‘Why? We’re speeding. I just got an upgrade on the boat, and I know where the wind is coming in.’ And they’re like, ‘No no no, there’s a tsunami coming, and you need an anchor, and we’re gonna drop it. [Because] this is going to dictate everything you do from now on.'”
For Cooper, fatherhood has brought a newfound sense of purpose and responsibility. He shared, “Your DNA is going to tell you that there’s something more important than you.” The actor emphasized that being a dad has given him a deeper understanding of what truly matters in life.
However, Cooper also opened up about the initial challenges he faced in bonding with his daughter. He admitted that it took time for him to warm up to the idea of being a parent. “Everyone is always like, ‘I would die in a second for my kid,'” Cooper said. “I’m always like, ‘If I’m being honest, ehhh, I don’t know.’ The first 8 months I’m like, ‘I don’t even know if I really love the kid. It’s dope, it’s cool, I’m watching it morph.’ But all of a sudden, it’s like no question.”
Cooper shares Lea with his ex-girlfriend, model Irina Shayk. Despite their separation, the actor remains committed to being a present and supportive father. He has previously spoken about learning from his own mistakes and striving to create a better future for his daughter. “You learn from your predecessor’s mistakes, and I’ll make tons that hopefully Lea will learn from,” Cooper shared. “And then being rigorous with myself to grow, to help unburden her with any of my bullshit.”
Fatherhood has undoubtedly been a transformative journey for Bradley Cooper. It has not only given him a new perspective on life but has also pushed him to become a better version of himself. As he continues to navigate the joys and challenges of parenting, Cooper’s love for his daughter shines through, proving that fatherhood truly has the power to change lives.