Last year, A Star Is Born landed in both theaters, and our hearts. Taking the world by storm, the film was as beautiful as it was painful. And there’s no question that film wouldn’t have been the same, and certainly wouldn’t have been as successful, if not for the incredible performances and chemistry between the two lead actors, Bradley Cooper and Lady Gaga. But apparently, Bradley Cooper actually turned down the role when it was first offered to him!
What many don’t know about A Star Is Born is that a remake of the classic film was in talks for years. And a few years ago, Clint Eastwood was in the running to direct it. It was then that Cooper was approached about playing the troubled musician Jackson Maine, but at the time, Cooper thought he wasn’t experienced enough for the role.
“I was too young. I always thought I didn’t have enough experience to play this guy. I was 38 at the time—I’m 43 now—and I just thought, ‘I don’t know if I could buy me like that.’ And then life happens.”
-Bradley Cooper
Years later, after performing onstage in the Elephant Man, along with starring in Eastwood’s American Sniper, Cooper was ready to not only take on the role of Jackson Maine, but co-write and direct A Star Is Born, in what would be his directorial debut. As of Tuesday morning, the film has received a whopping 8 Oscar nominations, with Cooper himself landing a nomination for Best Actor, though he was notably absent from the Best Director category, something many are taking issue with. We can only hope that he wins Best Actor for his truly unforgettable performance.
The 91st Academy Awards Will Air On February 24th.
