Bradley Cooper's most recent big-screen venture sees him take on his most challenging role to date in Clint Eastwood's upcoming biopic, 'American Sniper,' portraying Navy SEAL sniper Chris Kyle, who has more than 150 confirmed kills in his military career.


American SNiper
Cooper portraying Navy SEAL sniper Chris Kyle in 'American Sniper'

But before filming even began, there was talk that the Hollywood star, who was once named People magazine's Sexiest Man Alive, may be "too handsome" to play a real life war hero. However, while appearing on 'The Today Show' on Tuesday (Jan 13th), Cooper hit back at these complaints.

"The first job I've ever got was on 'Alias,' and I was not the . good-looking guy," he told Matt Lauer. "I was the sidekick, best friend... And in 'Wedding Crashers,' I was the jerk. So, no, I never sort of suffered that 'oh, he's too handsome' [problem] ever."

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In order to play Kyle to the best of his ability, the 40-year-old actor also gained 30 pounds of muscle in three months. Unfortunately, the Navy SEAL, 38, never got to see the finished project as he was tragically killed by a troubled veteran during an outing to a shooting range in Texas on February 2, 2013.

But Kyle's close friend and ex SEAL, Clint Bruce, did see the movie and he only had positive things to say about Cooper's performance. "There were three or four times during the movie where I literally just forgot I was watching an actor," he previously told NBC. "I thought I was watching Chris."

More: Bradley Cooper Was 'Honoured' To Play Chris Kyle In American Sniper

Even though 'American Sniper,' released on Christmas Day, wasn't victorious at Sunday evening's Golden Globes, the war movie is expected to be a hot contender at this year's Oscars, which takes place on February 22nd.