Bradley Cooper is opening up about the profound impact of his late father, Charlie Cooper, and the often challenging yet deeply personal journey of caregiving. Charlie Cooper passed away in 2011 after a battle with lung cancer, a loss that continues to resonate with the actor.
The 50-year-old Hangover star has produced a new documentary titled Caregiving. This film aims to highlight the crucial work of hospice caregivers and illuminate the experiences of families navigating serious illness.
“My dad was somebody I idolized,” Cooper shares candidly in the documentary. He recalls his early childhood fondness for his father: “I used to dress up like him when I was a kid in kindergarten and get made fun of because I wanted to wear a little suit and tie.”
Like many, Cooper admits that the realities of caregiving only became apparent when it directly affected his own family. “Like most people, I didn’t even think about caregiving until my dad was diagnosed,” he says in the film.
The Oscar-nominated actor openly discusses the emotional toll of witnessing a parent transition from strong and independent to sick and dependent. “To go from [dressing up like him] to giving him a bath is quite a traumatic thing… he was at a point where he needed a lot of care,” he explained. Despite the emotional difficulty, Cooper expressed gratitude for the opportunity to be present for his father, adding, “I was lucky enough that I was able to be there for him, and I certainly also benefited from the help we got.”
Cooper’s documentary, produced by the Maestro star, seeks to bring attention to the struggles families face when seeking care and to acknowledge the often-overlooked and vital role played by caregivers.
