,,I was completely lost during that period: I tore my Achilles tendon and was heavily on cocaine. I had zero self-confidence and therefore turned to narcotics. The only ‘advantage’ was that I was 29 years old at the time and didn’t get off track at a younger age. When I did a commercial for hamburger chain Wendy’s I thought I made it, but actually I was depressed. It wasn’t until I got a part in The Hangover at the age of 36 that everything changed and I had already experienced that black period,” said Cooper.
He continues: ,,For me, there have been real changes between the ages of 29 and 34. In those 5 years I tackled myself and my addiction, but mainly worked on my self-image. It was quite a victory if I could stand in front of someone and keep breathing, listening and talking. If I’ve learned anything, it’s that I have to embrace the person I am, no matter what. Only then can you be honest with yourself and do something about your behavior.”
Cooper has been very successful in recent years with films like Silver Linings Playbook and A Star is Born† In the latter film, he plays an addicted rock star.