Bradley Cooper Opened Up about Finding Inspiration in Vince Vaughn's Fearless Acting Approach

On the set of the 2005 hit “Wedding Crashers,” Bradley Cooper witnessed a moment with Vince Vaughn that reshaped his understanding of acting. Cooper, then transitioning from his “good guy” persona on “Alias” to a more complex villainous role, observed Vaughn’s unapologetic boldness and willingness to embrace failure.

This experience, as Cooper noted, was like a “diamond through the middle of my head,” sparking a profound realization about the freedom inherent in artistic exploration. Vaughn’s fearless experimentation, even in the face of potential failure, provided Cooper with a new perspective on performance, one that values risk over safety.

“Up until that point, I was always just trying to get it right on camera. Be present and get it right,” Cooper said about his then-mindset. “I’m watching Vince Vaughn destroy a scene, just crush it, and then he wants another take.” This insight contributed to Cooper’s own evolution as an actor, leading him to significant roles in films like the “Hangover” series, which would go on to gross over $1.4 billion worldwide.