'Watching my dad die changed everything': Hollywood heartthrob Bradley Cooper shows a softer side in intimate interview

PUBLISHED: 13:15 EST, 4 March 2013 | UPDATED: 04:30 EST, 5 March 2013

He is the undoubted heartthrob of Hollywood but Bradley Cooper revealed a more introspective side in an intimate new interview.

Newly single Bradley, 38, revealed to GQ how watching his father die two years ago his life was dramatically transformed.

Although Bradley has Hollywood friends, including Robert De Niro, he remains stoical about his career - admitting his actor friends advised him not to do The Hangover - one of his biggest hits so far.

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'It changed everything': Bradley Cooper reveals watching his father die two years ago made him more determined to succeed

Teetotal Bradley, who shows off his classic good looks in the shoot for GQ, spoke candidly about his late father's last moments.

He told GQ: 'Death became very real. And very tangible. Because my father – someone who had been in my life for 36 years is just f***ing gone. I watched him dying and I was there by his bed watching him, breathing with him, and then I saw his last breath and he was gone.

'I experienced the whole thing. And that was a watershed moment that I was privileged to experience. And it changed everything.

Suited and booted: Bradley shows off his classic good looks in a shoot for the men's magazine

'My father gave me two gifts – having me and dying with me. I used to be the kid that got the shakes if I had to talk in public; now, I just don’t get nervous about stuff.

'I can’t control everything. I watched my father die and I realised that is the way we are all going to die. For me, it was a switch from knowing something intellectually to knowing it by tangibly experiencing it. It rewired my neurological system. It almost did the opposite of motivating me.

'It was about keeping the main thing the main thing.'

Speaking about The Hangover the actor said he was determined to take the role - despite his friends opinions.

'Well, let me tell you about actors. Back then, I had a couple of high-profile actor friends who were pretty successful and they were saying, "Why are you doing that movie called The Hangover? I read the script and I passed."

Oscar winner: Bradley said he wasn't bothered about an Oscar win (pictured here in Silver Linings Playbook)

For the full interview pick up the April issue of GQ, on sale March 7

'It was about keeping the main thing the main thing.'

And Cooper isn't just about shunning the showbusiness lifestyle - he also doesn't drink.

He says the reason is mainly that his life was spiraling out of control and he decided to reign it in.

In his latest film The Place Beyond The Pines Bradley is forced to kill Ryan Gosling - not an easy task.

'Who would ever want to be in a movie where you’re the guy that kills Ryan Gosling? Ryan Gosling looks sexy as hell in this movie, too.

But he is certain about one thing - he does not want to win an Oscar.

He says that scooping an Oscar would not change his outlook on life, mainly because his career is going so well - in fact, the smooth talking actor said it may damage his blossoming career.

For the full interview pick up the April issue of GQ, on sale Thursday March 7.

The Place Beyond The Pines Official Trailer

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We know the films he made.... It would have been nicer to know a bit more about his father and what he died of !!

- armpitfuzz , liverpool, United Kingdom, 05/3/2013 15:39

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He has the charm of a Patrick Dempsey, but I'm sorry, he does absolutely nothing at all for me.

- Stamps , Coto de Caza, United States, 05/3/2013 15:26

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hes perfect...absolutely perfect!

- su , dudley, 05/3/2013 14:32

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Brilliant actor who just happens to be gorgeous & funny. What's not to like!

- Yorkshire Lass , York, 05/3/2013 13:29

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He is perfect.

- Sophie , Leeds, United Kingdom, 05/3/2013 11:50

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This man could do anything and I would still love him ;)

- Vicki , Winchester, United Kingdom, 05/3/2013 10:49

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Too much Bradley last time

- CheFonya , Moscow, 05/3/2013 10:15

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I notice how they Photoshopped the forehead wrinkles in the magazine cover and the skin on his cheeks and nose. And they enhanced the blue of his eyes. He does look good but it's like they make these people handsome/beautiful beyond human possibility.

- Stamps , USA, United States, 05/3/2013 10:07

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On another note Bradley Cooper seems very classy so I wouldn't mind seeing more of him here, along with Hugh Jackman, and a lot less of... well, you know!

- Stamps , USA, United States, 05/3/2013 10:03

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I watched his Actor's Studio interview where he cried a few times. It was interesting. James Lipton went on and on about how Bradley Cooper was his favorite student ever. That was very insightful to say the least. Sugar Daddy much?! I think so.

- Stamps , USA, United States, 05/3/2013 10:03

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