Bradley Cooper recently reflected on the profound impact fatherhood has had on his life during an interview on Dax Shepard’s *Armchair Expert* podcast. Cooper opened up about how becoming a father to his daughter, Lea, with ex-girlfriend Irina Shayk, has shifted his perspective and deeply influenced his life.
Cooper shared that becoming a dad was transformative, stating, “Honestly, I’m not sure I’d be alive if I wasn’t a dad.” He explained that the arrival of his daughter forced him to evolve, aiming to cause “the least amount of damage” possible in her life. Fatherhood, he said, has anchored him and provided a new sense of purpose, making him realize the importance of prioritizing Lea above all else.
He noted that his daughter’s presence has reshaped his entire outlook, adding, “This is gonna dictate everything you do from now on. Your DNA is going to tell you that there’s something more important than you. It’s dope. It’s cool. I’m watching this thing morph. And then, all of a sudden, it’s like no question.”
Cooper also mentioned how fatherhood has restored his self-esteem and added vibrant colors to his life. In his 2022 appearance on the *SmartLess* podcast, he described fatherhood as a series of daily joys and breakthroughs, comparing it to the high points of his professional life. “You have like 40 of those moments every day with your kid—that is that level of joy,” he said.
Despite the end of his relationship with Shayk, Cooper and Shayk continue to co-parent Lea and maintain a healthy relationship for their daughter’s sake.
