Trigger warning: This article contains mentions of drugs and alcohol.

Not many people know, but Bradley Cooper and Will Arnett’s friendship is not new, as they have been friends for a long time. Arnett, who was Cooper’s neighbor, was there for him during a difficult time when Cooper was struggling with his addiction. Recently, the duo reunited for the recording of Arnett’s SmartLess podcast.

According to People Magazine, they met at the Stephen Talkhouse in Amagansett, New York on Saturday, August 17. Cooper chatted with the podcast hosts – Arnett, Sean Hayes and Jason Bateman – as well as their families, including special guest Oz Pearlman.

Other guests in attendance included Howard Stern and his wife Beth, Jimmy Fallon and his wife Nancy Juvonen, Jon Hamm and his wife Anna Osceola, Chad Smith and Shawn Levy.

In 2022, the A Star Is Born actor appeared on the podcast and shared a poignant story about his former neighbor that “changed his life.”

The actor spoke about his work in the comedy scene of the early 2000s and the trend of “mean humor” at the time. Cooper stated that he chose this type of humor because he was “insecure,” but later realized that it had hurtful consequences, especially when coupled with his past alcohol addiction.

He asked Arnett if he remembered that incident. The Maestro actor explained that he would never forget Arnett coming to his house when they lived next door to each other and saying to Cooper, “Hey, man, we had dinner the night before.”

Cooper took a moment to say, “I know you’re not allowed to cry on the show. Sorry, this is pretty emotional. I’m not crying… but I’ll never forget it.” The celebrated star described his former neighbor as someone who can be “mean” without any bad intention, and explained that he acted that way towards his close friends. But Cooper pointed out that he didn’t know Arnett well enough at the time.

Cooper reflected on the dinner they had, and Arnett later asked about it. The Silver Linings Playbook star said, “I remember at dinner thinking I was so funny. And I thought these two guys who were my heroes thought I was so funny.”

He added: “I don’t know if you remember this, Will. I just thought, ‘Oh, I thought it was great.’ And Will tells me, ‘You were a real asshole, man. You were a real asshole.'”

The actor was shocked when asked if he had taken his dogs out at the time. When Cooper expressed his confusion to Arnett, Arnett said he thought Cooper’s dogs needed to go to the bathroom since they were literally standing next to the door.

The Hangover star said this was the first time he realized he had a drug and alcohol problem. And it was his former neighbor who told him this. Cooper said he will never forget this moment.