Hollywood star Bradley Cooper has directly addressed persistent online speculation that he has undergone plastic surgery, firmly denying the rumours during a recent appearance on the SmartLess podcast with longtime friends Will Arnett, Jason Bateman and Sean Hayes.
The topic came up during an episode aired on January 5, when Arnett recalled being asked for a surprising titbit about Cooper. “I said, ‘Well, there’s a lot,’” Arnett said, before turning to the speculation. “And then I was gonna say, because we keep reading everybody thinks that Bradley’s had plastic surgery. Everybody keeps saying that. I’m like, ‘What people don’t know is that he hasn’t.’ Of course, he hasn’t!”
Bateman reiterated the denial, stating plainly, “That he hasn’t.” Arnett echoed the sentiment again, saying, “Yeah. Of course, he hasn’t.”
Cooper himself also weighed in during the conversation, noting how public perception and online chatter have contributed to the rumours. “No, I get people [coming] up to me the last couple weeks,” he said, explaining, “They’re like, ‘Oh, you look good! Yeah. Yeah, but it’s a crazy.”
The hosts discussed how such speculation often arises from social media and tabloid commentary. Arnett said the rumours “made me mad because people say that all the time and it’s a hilarious thing,” before adding, “Everybody thinks that they know. You know you read that bull***t stuff.”
While the episode focused on Cooper’s current and upcoming work, including the release and promotion of his new film Is This Thing On?, which he directed and stars in alongside Arnett, the conversation provided Cooper’s most public and direct response to the persistent rumours about his appearance.
Bradley Cooper’s looks came under intense scrutiny following his appearance at the 2025 New York Film Festival in October, where his directorial venture Is This Thing On? had its world premiere. Photos of the actor walking the red carpet alongside his co-stars, including Will Arnett and Laura Dern, quickly went viral, triggering social media speculation that he may have had a facelift or other cosmetic enhancements.
