Leonard Bernstein’s family publicly defended Bradley Cooper when critics questioned his interpretation of the composer. Page Six notes a statement from Bernstein’s children supporting Cooper’s portrayal.
Cooper faced questions about his appearance, including a nose prosthesis used to evoke Bernstein’s features. Bernstein’s children, Jamie, Alexander, and Nina, asserted that they partnered with Cooper on every aspect of the artist’s image.
“We are deeply moved by the care in the portrayal, by our father’s music, and by the joy he showed in researching it. Any misreading of their collaborative efforts is painful. Leonard Bernstein had a distinct presence, Cooper used makeup to capture the likeness, and we all support the result.”
“We’ve been grateful for this experience with Cooper and look forward to audiences embracing his performance.”
Tracey Ann Oberman, known for her acting work, drew commentary in comparison to Cooper’s approach to portraying Bernstein. The discussion touched on makeup choices and the broader debate about representation in casting. It was noted that other performers, like Cillian Murphy in a different historical role, conveyed authenticity without prosthetic alterations.
Past relationships and financial rumors surrounding the project circulated, but the focus remained on Cooper’s commitment to bringing Bernstein’s life to the screen with respect for the music and the era.