LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA – Bradley Cooper shared an illuminating career-changing moment during a conversation with his fellow best actor SAG Award nominees Jeffrey Wright, Cillian Murphy, Paul Giamatti, and Colman Domingo. Cooper, nominated for his self-directed performance in “Maestro,” joined the discussion alongside the other actors as they each recounted pivotal moments they experienced with their colleagues on set.
In the 2005 R-rated comedy “Wedding Crashers,” Cooper played the supporting role of Sack Lodge, a departure from his previous good guy roles. This casting marked a significant turning point in his career, as he finally had the opportunity to redefine his onscreen persona. Cooper mentioned that it was during this movie where he witnessed Vince Vaughn’s willingness to fail, which had a profound impact on him.
Cooper vividly recalled being in awe of Vaughn’s fearlessness and willingness to experiment on camera, even if it meant making mistakes. The experience of watching Vaughn explore with abandon and without fear of failure was a seminal moment for Cooper, one that forever changed his approach to acting. It was a realization that freedom to take risks and embrace failure is essential for artistic growth.
“Wedding Crashers” was a commercial success and solidified Cooper’s place in the realm of R-rated comedies. His career continued to flourish, ultimately leading to starring roles in more box office hits. Cooper has expressed openness to the idea of a fourth “Hangover” film, showcasing his willingness to revisit roles that have significantly contributed to his career trajectory.
Cooper’s revelation about the impact of Vince Vaughn’s approach to acting provides a glimpse into the transformative power of on-set experiences and the valuable lessons that can emerge from them. It serves as a reminder that the willingness to take risks, embrace failure, and step outside one’s comfort zone can lead to unexpected and lasting growth in the creative process.