Bradley Cooper and Irina Shayk have embraced an intentional approach to co-parenting their daughter, Lea, as they balance the challenges of Hollywood life and their personal priorities in both Los Angeles and beyond. Sharing unique insights into the Bradley Cooper co-parenting daughter dynamic, the former couple described how their close-knit method shapes Lea’s childhood amid fame.
Guiding Lea Through a Celebrity Upbringing
Irina Shayk, noted for her modeling career with Sports Illustrated and Victoria’s Secret, recently explained how she and Bradley Cooper manage the realities of celebrity for their 8-year-old daughter. They strive to make Lea feel secure and at home with their public-facing lives, with Lea already understanding the nature of their jobs. To shield her from the intrusive aspects of fame, Irina firmly limits Lea’s use of technology and social media.
“She has very, very little digital access, almost down to none,”
Irina shared with People. Instead, she emphasized,
“building community, friends and just giving love.”
—Irina Shayk, Model
Irina believes that nurturing their daughter in a loving environment is the most important priority.
“This is the best thing that you could give to your kid, raising them in a loving family.”
—Irina Shayk, Model
Balancing Modern Pressures and Self-Image
Shayk spoke candidly about the pressures of beauty standards, acknowledging the countless ideals that permeate society. She makes it a point to protect Lea from unrealistic expectations about appearance.
“There are so many beauty standards out there,”
she said,
“that of course I try to protect my daughter from.”
—Irina Shayk, Model
Welcoming Lea Into Their Professional World
Both Cooper and Shayk emphasize including Lea in their professional lives. Bradley Cooper, the actor-director behind Maestro and A Star Is Born, noted that their daughter actively participates in his creative process.
“It’s just a part of what we do, and it’s kind of a nice thing. She cares so much about it.”
—Bradley Cooper, Actor-Director
Lea’s involvement goes beyond attending events; she offers her perspective on her father’s work.
“Kids, they say exactly what they think, and she has a big opinion about everything,”
Bradley noted,
“I love it and I care what she thinks. Even with casting, we’ll look at casting auditions together.”
—Bradley Cooper, Actor-Director
Irina matches Bradley’s commitment by bringing Lea along on both work engagements and family outings. She told Elle in 2023 that despite packed schedules, “We always find a way.” She described their teamwork:
“He’s the best father Lea and I could dream of. It always works, but it always works because we make it work.”
—Irina Shayk, Model
Capturing Family Highlights in Everyday Moments
The couple’s co-parenting approach is enriched by sharing simple joys. Irina frequently posts about time on the beach, her love for sunflowers and pumpkins, and cherished moments with their daughter, highlighting the normalcy they cultivate outside Hollywood. Their outings range from casual days at the beach to designer fittings with Michael Kors, where Lea’s creativity has shone—
“She drew him a kitty cat.”
—Irina Shayk, Model
The family is known for their playful spirit, with Irina sharing feline-themed moments of Lea, describing her as the perfect companion.
“She and Bradley both take Lea everywhere with us,”
Irina said to Elle in 2023.
Lea’s Public Debut and On-Screen Moments
Lea’s immersion into their world reached a new level when she made a cameo in Maestro, Bradley Cooper’s Oscar-nominated film, and appeared on the red carpet at the L.A. premiere. Praising her performance, Bradley said,
“She was great, she was really awesome.”
Though Irina didn’t attend the event, she watched a private screening shared with her followers. Bradley’s admiration for his daughter extends beyond their family—he named his production company after Lea, reflecting her place as his inspiration.
“He’s the best father Lea and I could dream of, it always works, but it always works because we make it work.”
—Irina Shayk, Model
Bradley’s Reflections on Fatherhood
Bradley Cooper has openly reflected on how being Lea’s father has shaped his personal growth. The actor, spotlighted for his friendship with Dave Chappelle and appearances at venues like the Kennedy Center in Washington, D.C., credits his daughter with making him a better person.
“I want her to have as much foundation as she can—I think about how my relationship with my daughter impacts her growth and the journey she’s gonna be on,”
he shared on Dax Shepard’s Armchair Expert podcast.
“The least amount of damage I can do to my daughter—please let me work on myself.”
—Bradley Cooper, Actor-Director
The Ongoing Impact of Intentional Co-Parenting
Their intentional co-parenting strategy, rooted in love, protection from public pressures, and meaningful daily experiences, allows Lea to thrive amidst a unique set of circumstances. Spotlighting support from both Shayk and Cooper, their approach symbolizes how thoughtful parenting can help a child remain grounded despite the glare of Hollywood. With Lea’s participation in both their personal routines and public careers, Bradley Cooper and Irina Shayk continue to model the values they hope she will carry forward.
