Brad Pitt credits Bradley Cooper for his sobriety journey

When Brad Pitt Credited Bradley Cooper for His Sobriety: "I Got Sober Because of This Guy, and Every Day Has Been Happier Ever Since"

Brad Pitt, one of Hollywood's most celebrated stars, has openly credited fellow actor Bradley Cooper for helping him embark on his sobriety journey. Pitt, who first revealed his decision to get sober in 2017, shared this heartfelt acknowledgment during an awards ceremony a few years ago. At the National Board of Review Annual Awards Gala in New York City, Cooper presented Pitt, then 55, with the award for Best Supporting Actor for his role in *Once Upon a Time… in Hollywood*.

While accepting the award, Pitt expressed his gratitude for Cooper's support, beginning his speech by noting Cooper's personal sacrifice that evening. "Bradley just put his daughter to bed and rushed over here to do this," Pitt said, referring to Cooper's then two-year-old daughter, Lea De Seine. He continued, "He's a sweetheart. I got sober because of this guy, and every day has been happier ever since."

Pitt has been candid about his journey to sobriety, sharing details of his struggles and recovery in various interviews. In a conversation with *The New York Times*, he explained that he had "removed his drinking privilege" and joined a male Alcoholics Anonymous group. Reflecting on the experience, he described the group as a "safe space" where men were "open and honest in a way I have never heard," adding that the lack of judgment helped him confront his own issues.

In a separate 2017 interview with *GQ*, Pitt spoke about his decision to quit alcohol, saying he had reached a point where he "didn't want to live that way anymore." He admitted, "I just ran it to the ground. I had to step away for a minute." Pitt also joked about his drinking habits, saying, "Truthfully, I could drink a Russian under the table with his own vodka. I was a professional. I was good."

Bradley Cooper, meanwhile, has also experienced his own sobriety journey, though he has generally kept it more private. In a 2015 interview with Barbara Walters, Cooper revealed that he had quit drinking in his late twenties, calling the decision "beautiful." He credited his sobriety for enabling him to build meaningful relationships and care for his father during his illness, saying, "I would never be sitting here with you, no way, no chance... I never would've been able to have relationships that I do."

Despite never working together on a film, Pitt and Cooper have maintained a close friendship over the years, marked by mutual admiration and support. Their bond was evident again in 2024, when Pitt presented Cooper with the Outstanding Performer of the Year award at the Santa Barbara International Film Festival.