Before Oscar nominations and directing acclaim, Jenkintown native Bradley Cooper nearly missed the role that would change everything, writes Tiegan Johnston for Far Out Magazine.
Today, Cooper is known not only as a leading man but as a respected filmmaker. But in the late 2000s, his résumé didn’t exactly scream “bankable star.” Despite steady work in television and supporting film roles, studio executives weren’t convinced he could carry a major movie.
That all changed in 2009 with The Hangover. The now-iconic comedy was considered a gamble at the time, so much so that director Todd Phillips reportedly gave up his directing fee just to get the film made. Cooper wasn’t the studio’s first or even second choice, and was nearly passed over in favor of a bigger name before finally landing the role.
The risk paid off in spectacular fashion. The Hangover became the year’s biggest hit and launched one of the most successful comedy franchises of all time, instantly turning Cooper into a household name. From there, his career skyrocketed, leading to dramatic roles, award recognition, and creative control behind the camera.
To learn more about Cooper’s unlikely breakthrough, check out Far Out Magazine.
