Jenkintown’s Bradley Cooper recently opened up about a friendship that helped shape a turning point in his life, writes Tommy McArdle for People Magazine.
In a recent interview tied to his new film Is This Thing On?, Cooper credited longtime friend Will Arnett with playing a pivotal role in his decision to get sober in the early 2000s.
Speaking to The Hollywood Reporter, Cooper reflected on a candid conversation Arnett initiated in 2004. Cooper says the talk ultimately put him on the path to sobriety. He later revisited that moment publicly during a 2022 appearance on Arnett’s SmartLess podcast, where the two discussed their shared experiences with addiction and recovery. Cooper described Arnett as someone he admired early in his career, making the message resonate even more deeply.
“Will took the risk of having that hard conversation with me that put me on the path of deciding to change my life,” Cooper said. “It is truly Will Arnett. He is the reason.”
Arnett has said their friendship made working on such an emotionally intense project easier, allowing them to rely on trust built over decades. The film opens in theaters December 19.
To learn more about Cooper’s reflections and the film, visit People Magazine.
Editor’s Note: This post first appeared on MONTCO Today in December 2025.
