It's Good to Be Bradley

Inside Bradley Cooper's secrets to a happy life as the A-lister approaches the big 5-0

- JAIME HARKIN

ON SCREEN, HE'S PLAYED a tightly wound Navy SEAL, a temperamental chef, a weary rock star and a larger-than-life composer. Off camera, Bradley Cooper is a bit harder to peg. Despite being one of the biggest stars in the world, the ultra-private actor has managed to maintain an air of mystery. He prefers the relative anonymity he's afforded in NYC, where he takes the subway (just like us!) and lives with his 7-year-old daughter, Lea De Seine (mom is Cooper's ex, model Irina Shayk). In interviews, he'd much rather talk passionately about whatever project he's promoting than his personal life.

Still, he's offered glimpses into his world. The hands-on dad has gushed about fatherhood, calling it "the absolute greatest thing," and he's also been open about his sobriety; the Guardians of the Galaxy star got sober at 29 after struggling with alcohol and drug abuse.

By all accounts, Cooper's happier than he's ever been as he gears up for his milestone 50th birthday on Jan. 5. He's set to direct his third feature film, Is This Thing On? (his previous two-2018's A Star Is Born and 2023's Maestro-garnered critical acclaim for the 12-time Academy Award nominee) and is peacefully coparenting Lea with Shayk. "He doesn't think too much about turning 50 other than how proud he is of his career trajectory and his most important job as a dad," says a source, noting Cooper will likely celebrate his big day in NYC. "It won't be a Leonardo DiCaprio-style party, as that's not Bradley's [vibe]," adds the source, "but there is a celebration in the works."