Bradley Cooper directly denied recent Bradley Cooper plastic surgery rumors while appearing on the SmartLess podcast, following renewed speculation after his press appearances for Is This Thing On? went viral. The actor and filmmaker, joined by hosts Will Arnett and Jason Bateman, discussed the online chatter and addressed the growing interest in his changing appearance.
Podcast Appearance Sparks Address of Rumors
Bradley Cooper, 51, finally responded to widespread plastic surgery rumors during his conversation on SmartLess, a popular podcast hosted by Will Arnett, Jason Bateman, and Sean Hayes. The rumors, which have followed Cooper for years, intensified after social media users circulated clips from his recent press tour for Is This Thing On?
Host Will Arnett, a longtime friend of Cooper’s, revealed that he is often asked to share lesser-known facts about the actor and nearly mentioned the persistent rumors. He noted:
Everybody thinks that Bradley’s had plastic surgery,
Will Arnett, Host of SmartLess
He added another remark:
Everybody keeps saying that. I’m like, ‘What people don’t know is that he hasn’t.’ Right?
Will Arnett, Host of SmartLess
Fellow host Jason Bateman promptly echoed that Cooper has not had work done, and Arnett backed up the sentiment.
Cooper Reacts to Public Speculation
Bradley Cooper acknowledged that the rumors have only grown, especially in the past several weeks. He expressed how random people have approached him to comment on his appearance, saying:
No, I get people [coming] up to me the last couple of weeks. They’re like, ‘Oh, you look good! Yeah. Yeah, but it’s a crazy—,
Bradley Cooper, Actor-Director
Will Arnett also spoke on how frustrating the speculation has become, particularly with strangers confidently asserting their opinions about Cooper’s face. He said:
It did make me think… It made me mad because people say that all the time, and it’s a hilarious thing,
Will Arnett, Host of SmartLess
He then commented on the assumptions people make based on what they read online:
Everybody thinks that they know. You know you read that bullsh-t stuff.
Will Arnett, Host of SmartLess
Origins and Fuel for the Rumors
The fresh focus on Bradley Cooper’s looks began in October, following his appearance in a now widely shared clip from E! News during the press tour for Is This Thing On? Viewers commented on his smooth skin and defined facial features, with some even comparing him to Barry Manilow or Cillian Murphy. The online speculation only grew as cosmetic surgeon Gerard Lambe, though never having treated Cooper, provided commentary to the Daily Mail, suggesting possible procedures like jawline tightening, a lower facelift, or minor eye work. Notably, these were only hypothetical observations and not based on any consultation with Cooper himself.
Cooper Reflects on Appearance and Acting Roles
This marked the first time Cooper publicly addressed plastic surgery claims on record, although he has previously discussed changes to his appearance in relation to acting roles. For example, he spoke about his use of a prosthetic nose to portray Leonard Bernstein in Maestro, explaining the artistic reasoning during a CBS Sunday Morning appearance in November 2023:
The truth is, I’ve done this whole project out of love,
Bradley Cooper, Actor-Director
He elaborated on his lineage and the need for authenticity in character:
And it’s so clear to me where I come from—my nose is very similar to Lenny’s, actually. The prosthetic is actually like a silk sheet.
Bradley Cooper, Actor-Director
The actor emphasized the importance of subtlety, saying:
It’s all about balance, and, you know, my lips are nothing like Lenny’s, and my chin,
Bradley Cooper, Actor-Director
He explained the creative challenge:
And so we had that, and it just didn’t look right. We just had to do it. Otherwise, I wouldn’t believe he’s a human being.
Bradley Cooper, Actor-Director
Current Projects and Public Attention
Currently, Cooper is promoting Is This Thing On?, his newest directorial venture starring Will Arnett and Laura Dern. The film follows a married couple, portrayed by Arnett and Dern, as they navigate issues of divorce, raising children, and exploring whether love can reshape itself. The movie has drawn added interest due to the media attention surrounding Cooper, Arnett, and the wider cast.
Alongside his professional accomplishments, Cooper also remains in the spotlight because of his relationship with Gigi Hadid. The couple recently made a public appearance at a Broadway performance of Waiting for Godot, posing for a rare photo with the play’s cast, including Keanu Reeves and Alex Winter. Brooklyn’s vibrant theater audience and a star-studded cast added to the buzz around Cooper’s personal and professional life.
Impact of the Ongoing Discussion Around Cooper’s Appearance
Bradley Cooper’s public denial of plastic surgery adds clarity to a debate that has followed him for years, highlighting the power of rumor in shaping perceptions of celebrities. As Cooper continues to focus on creative projects like Is This Thing On? and navigates his high-profile relationship with Gigi Hadid, the speculation about his looks may persist. However, his forthright remarks and ongoing openness may help reshape the conversation, keeping his achievements—and not just his appearance—at the center of attention.
