Entertainment

Bradley Cooper’s rise to stardom

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Published May 27, 2011, 3:31 p.m. ET
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In “The Words,” Bradley Cooper plays a frustrated novelist who plagiarizes an unpublished manuscript. After a string of TV roles and a successful turn in “The Hangover,” Cooper’s now a leading man. Take a look back at how he got there. AP
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Cooper claims he missed his graduation from the Actors Studio because he was filming “Wet Hot American Summer,” with Janeane Garafalo, Paul Rudd and Michael Ian Black. Cooper’s small role as Black’s character’s love interest was largely ignored by the mostly negative reviews of the 2001 film, but the movie’s gone on to be regarded as a cult classic. Freelance
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Most people likely became aware of Cooper during his two seasons on the hit ABC spy drama “Alias,” where he played Sydney Bristow’s journalist friend, who harbors unrequited feelings for the spy star. Cooper left after season two, possibly to focus on his burgeoning movie career. © 2006 American Broadcasting Companies
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After being a memorable villain in “Wedding Crashers,” Cooper got supportive in “Failure to Launch,” playing one of the live-at-home pals of Matthew McConaughey’s man-child main character alongside his future “Hangover” costar Justin Bartha. Though the film itself only generated a 25% freshness rating on Rotten Tomatoes, Cooper’s Demo (right) was praised by the few reviewers who acknowledged the movie’s supporting cast, like The Houston Chronicle’s Amy Biancolli, who said he and the film’s other “amicably offbeat supporting players…steal the show.” Frank Masi
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In 2009’s “He’s Just Not That Into You,” Cooper was one of the lesser-known actors in an ensemble cast that included Jennifer Aniston, Ben Affleck and Scarlett Johansson. However, his storyline as a not-so-committed husband with a wandering eye ended up being a central part of the movie, making his one of the most memorable performances in the $178.8M film. Photo courtesy of New Line Cinema
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That summer, Cooper joined Zach Galifianakis and Ed Helms in “The Hangover.” The trio had a drunken night in Las Vegas and spent the rest of their bachelor-party weekend trying to figure out what happened, and where they could find Justin Bartha’s groom. The movie, if you don’t already know, was a huge hit, grossing $467.5 million worldwide and spawning at least one sequel. ©Warner Bros
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The following summer, Cooper played Lt. Templeton “Faceman” Peck or “Face,” in the movie version of “The A-Team.” The action-packed film was a major box-office success but reviewers indicated that Cooper, already a tabloid star by this point, was mostly there for his looks. Doug Curran
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In March of 2011, Cooper used his good looks and acting talent to steer Relativity Media’s “Limitless” to $143.1 million worldwide. –By HILARY LEWIS ©Rogue Pictures
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