Brad Pitt has expressed gratitude to his close friend and fellow actor Bradley Cooper for helping him quit drinking and rediscover happiness in life.
Pitt publicly thanked Cooper during the National Board of Review’s film awards ceremony on January 9, where he won Best Supporting Actor for his role as stuntman Cliff Booth in Once Upon a Time in Hollywood. The award was presented by none other than Bradley Cooper, who rushed to the event after putting his daughter to bed. In his acceptance speech, Pitt expressed heartfelt appreciation, saying, “I quit drinking thanks to him and have felt happier every day since then.”
Cooper, who battled alcohol addiction in the past and quit drinking at 29, has often spoken about his journey to sobriety. His success in overcoming addiction has inspired Pitt, who has faced his own struggles with alcohol, particularly after his high-profile split from Angelina Jolie.
Pitt’s Struggles and Personal Growth
In recent interviews, Brad Pitt has been candid about his personal challenges, including his divorce from Angelina Jolie and his battle with alcoholism. The actor admitted to making several mistakes throughout his life, including his struggles with alcohol, which became more prominent after his separation from Jolie. The couple filed for divorce in April 2019, but the process remains ongoing due to disagreements over child custody and property division.
Following the breakup, Pitt revealed that he took a step back from the dating scene, choosing instead to focus on his career and relationships with friends. This period of self-reflection allowed him to heal and prioritize his well-being, leading to his eventual sobriety with the help of Cooper.
A Year of Career Success for Brad Pitt
Despite the personal challenges, 2019 and 2020 have been monumental years for Brad Pitt professionally. He starred in two highly acclaimed films: Ad Astra and Once Upon a Time in Hollywood. On January 6, Pitt won the Golden Globe Award for Best Supporting Actor for his performance in the latter film.
With award season in full swing, industry experts believe that Pitt is a strong contender for an Oscar in the Best Supporting Actor category at the Academy Awards on February 10. His portrayal of Cliff Booth has earned widespread praise, cementing his place as one of Hollywood’s finest talents.