Bradley Cooper has finally addressed the plastic surgery speculation, acknowledging that he’s been receiving an unusual number of compliments about his appearance lately.
During the Jan. 5 episode of the Smartless podcast, the A Star Is Born actor told hosts Will Arnett, Jason Bateman, and Sean Hayes that fans have recently been approaching him with remarks about how he looks.
“I get people coming up to me the last couple weeks,” Cooper said. “They’re like, ‘Oh, you look good!’”
The Oscar nominee shared the moment after Arnett recalled being asked in a past interview to reveal something about the Maestro star that the public might not already know.
Bradley Cooper addressed plastic surgery speculation during a recent appearance on the “Smartless” podcast.
ongoing speculation.
Arnett recalled responding to the question by saying, “Well, there’s a lot,” before adding that one of the most persistent rumors he sees involves claims that Cooper has had plastic surgery.
“Everybody thinks that Bradley’s had plastic surgery,” Arnett said, shutting down the speculation. “What people don’t know is that he hasn’t. Of course, he hasn’t.”
Arnett went on to criticize the rumor mill, admitting it frustrates him when people make assumptions based on what they read online.
“It made me mad because people say that all the time,” he added. “Everybody thinks they know. You read that nonsense and people just believe it.”
The plastic surgery rumors began circulating in late 2025, when Cooper and Arnett started promoting their film Is This Thing On? Social media users quickly speculated about what they perceived as a noticeable change in the actor’s appearance.
During the Smartless conversation, Jason Bateman lightened the moment by joking about his own cosmetic procedures. “I’ve been cut to ribbons,” Bateman quipped, drawing laughter from his co-hosts. “But look how it’s worth it. Look at this!”
Cooper has previously undergone a dramatic on-screen transformation, most notably for his portrayal of legendary composer Leonard Bernstein in 2023’s Maestro.
The Hangover star, 51, who shares daughter Lea De Seine, 8, with ex Irina Shayk, continued to fuel online chatter as the promotional appearances went on, with fans debating whether his refreshed look was the result of aging, makeup, or something more.
Some social media users were quick to share their reactions online. One person wrote on X that a recent photo of the actor “can’t be him.”
In December, another user questioned why the speculation hadn’t gained more attention, writing, “Women get a lot of criticism whenever they get plastic surgery, but how have we not talked about Bradley Cooper?” alongside a photo of the star.
Others were more blunt, with one post claiming the actor “doesn’t even look like the same person anymore,” while another speculated that the image showed a stunt double, adding, “That can’t be him.”
The comments come as Cooper’s relationship with model Gigi Hadid continues to heat up. The pair, who have been linked since October 2023, have become increasingly serious in recent months.
According to a source who spoke to the Daily Mail last month, the actor is already taking meaningful steps toward a future with the 30-year-old Victoria’s Secret model. The insider claimed Cooper has discussed marriage with Hadid’s mother, Yolanda.
“Bradley asked Yolanda for Gigi’s hand in marriage,” the source said in December. “He wants her to know how serious he is about Gigi and how he plans to build a solid family with her in New York.”
