Bradley Cooper, the renowned actor and star of films like “A Star is Born” and “The Hangover,” recently opened up about his struggles to connect with his daughter, Lea, when she was born. In a candid interview on Dax Shepard’s “Armchair Expert” podcast, Cooper discussed his growth as a father since welcoming his now 6-year-old daughter with former partner Irina Shayk in March 2017.
Cooper admitted that during the first few months of Lea’s life, he didn’t understand the intense love and connection that other parents would express for their children. He recalled feeling unsure about his bond with his daughter, saying, “The first eight months — I don’t even know if I really love the kid. It’s dope. It’s cool. I’m watching this thing morph.”
The actor’s honesty about his initial struggles to connect with his daughter is refreshing and relatable for many parents who may have experienced similar feelings. Cooper acknowledged that he was fascinated by his daughter and loved taking care of her, but he questioned whether he would be willing to sacrifice his life for her. He wondered, “But would I die if someone came in with a gun?”
However, Cooper revealed that his perspective changed “all of a sudden.” He realized that being a father was a transformative experience and that it had made him a better person. He admitted that he now strives to do the least amount of damage possible to his daughter and has embraced the importance of being there for her.
Reflecting on his journey as a new father, Cooper shared, “I’m not sure I’d be alive if I wasn’t a dad. I just needed someone to say, like, ‘We’re gonna drop this massive anchor.’ Because this is gonna dictate everything you do from now on. Your DNA is going to tell you that there’s something more important than you.”
Despite their separation, Cooper and Shayk have maintained an amicable co-parenting relationship for the sake of their daughter. They have spent holidays together and were even seen trick-or-treating as a family in New York City last October. However, Cooper has moved on with his current flame, Gigi Hadid, while Shayk has been dating retired NFL star Tom Brady.
It’s clear that Cooper’s journey as a father has been transformative and has shaped his perspective on life. His honesty about his initial struggles to connect with his daughter and his commitment to being the best father he can be is commendable. As he continues to navigate fatherhood, it’s evident that his love for Lea has grown immensely, and he cherishes the role of being her dad.
