Bradley Cooper has publicly addressed long-standing rumors regarding plastic surgery during a recent appearance on the SmartLess podcast. The actor, known for his roles in films such as Silver Linings Playbook and American Sniper, firmly denied the speculation surrounding his appearance, which has intensified following promotional clips for his latest project, Is This Thing On?.
The topic arose when host Will Arnett, a close friend of Cooper, mentioned that many people believe the actor has undergone cosmetic procedures. Arnett clarified, “What people don’t know is that he hasn’t.” Co-host Jason Bateman quickly supported this statement, leading Cooper to acknowledge the persistent rumors. At 51 years old, Cooper noted that he has faced inquiries about his looks recently. He remarked, “No, I get people [coming] up to me the last couple of weeks. They’re like, ‘Oh, you look good!’”
Arnett expressed his frustration over the rumors, particularly due to their widespread acceptance. “It did make me think… It made me mad because people say that all the time, and it’s a hilarious thing,” he explained. The renewed scrutiny began in October 2023 when Cooper appeared in promotional clips for Is This Thing On?, sparking discussions about his seemingly altered features. Some viewers even compared him to artists such as Barry Manilow and Cillian Murphy, further fueling the debate.
Adding to the speculation, cosmetic surgeon Gerard Lambe, who has never treated Cooper, shared his thoughts in the Daily Mail. He suggested that potential changes in Cooper’s appearance could be attributed to subtle cosmetic enhancements, including possible jawline tightening or minor work around the eyes. While these rumors have circulated for years, this podcast episode marked Cooper’s first direct response to the claims.
Cooper has previously addressed changes to his appearance, notably while discussing his portrayal of composer Leonard Bernstein in the film Maestro. In a November 2023 interview on CBS Sunday Morning, he explained that he used a prosthetic nose to achieve authenticity in his character. “The truth is, I’ve done this whole project out of love,” he stated, emphasizing that the prosthetic was designed for balance and not exaggeration.
Currently, Cooper is promoting Is This Thing On?, which features Will Arnett and Laura Dern as a couple navigating the complexities of divorce and co-parenting. The film explores whether love can evolve into something new amid changing circumstances.
Beyond his professional endeavors, Cooper has drawn media attention for his relationship with model Gigi Hadid. The couple was recently seen attending a matinee performance of Waiting for Godot on Broadway, where they posed for a rare photograph with the cast, including actors Keanu Reeves and Alex Winter.
As Cooper continues to address the plastic surgery rumors, his candid remarks have shed light on the pressure celebrities face regarding their appearances, highlighting the complexities of public perception in the entertainment industry.
