Bradley Cooper has been trending for many reasons this year, but one unexpected topic has dominated online conversation: his face.
The A Star Is Born actor has recently addressed persistent rumors suggesting he has undergone plastic surgery or cosmetic procedures, speculation fueled by social media users who claim his appearance has noticeably changed. Cooper briefly tackled the topic while appearing as a guest on the popular SmartLess podcast, joining hosts Jason Bateman, Sean Hayes, and his longtime friend and collaborator Will Arnett.
As Cooper continues to promote his latest project, Is This Thing On?, which he also directed, discussion about his evolving look has at times overshadowed his professional work. During the podcast, Arnett raised the question many fans have been asking online—whether Cooper had used Botox, fillers, or had any cosmetic surgery.
“Everybody thinks that Bradley’s had plastic surgery,” Arnett said during the episode. “What people don’t know is that he hasn’t, right? Of course he hasn’t!”
While Cooper has largely avoided addressing the rumors in interviews, online commentary has been relentless, with some social media users claiming the actor looks “unrecognizable” compared with earlier roles.
“He’s absolutely ruined his face,” one Instagram user wrote last fall. “I loved his original face with its expression.” Another commented, “The character in his face is gone. Everything that made him attractive has been replaced.”
Responding on the podcast, the Oscar-nominated actor appeared to dismiss the speculation, suggesting the changes people are noticing are simply part of natural aging. He also joked about how the topic has come up awkwardly in real life.
“I have people coming up to me the last couple of weeks,” Cooper said. “And they’re like, ‘Oh! You look good.’”
Despite Cooper’s comments, some internet users remain unconvinced. Still, the actor seems unfazed, maintaining that he has not undergone any cosmetic procedures and is comfortable with how he looks as he ages—online debate notwithstanding.
