Bradley Cooper got his start in Hollywood in various television and film works such as Sex and the City and Wet Hot American Summer; however, it was his supporting role in J.J. Abrams' television series Alias that was his first substantial role. The espionage thriller was a hit, but Cooper decided to leave Alias after Season 2. Here's why Cooper jumped ship in the middle of a successful run.
Cooper played journalist Will Tippin, best friend to uncover CIA agent Sydney Bristow (Jennifer Garner). Will had a rich storyline in Alias Season 1. After Sydney's fiance died violently and suddenly, Will used his journalistic connections to look into it. Suddenly, he found himself entrenched in Sydney's double life, becoming wrapped up in the world of espionage himself. However, Will eventually was placed in witness protection. This led to Cooper's role becoming increasingly scaled back as Alias continued, and the actor basically transitioned from series regular to occasional guest star. His reduced role set the precedent for his decision to eventually leave the series.
Will's lack of appearances meant Cooper didn't have much work, leaving the actor frustrated and restless. It got to the point where, as he told GQ, he was only working three days a week, and he grew increasingly miserable. So even though he didn't have another job lined up, Cooper took a gamble and specifically asked J.J. Abrams for his character to be written out of the show.
Cooper's request was risky, but eventually proved to be well worth it. A few years after he left Alias, Cooper quickly shot to fame with roles in blockbuster comedies such as Wedding Crashers and The Hangover. Once he made the leap to the drama genre for films like Silver Linings Playbook, American Hustle and American Sniper, the Oscar nominations started rolling in. In recent years, Cooper began to garner critical acclaim behind-the-scenes for movies such as Joker and A Star Is Born.
It's unfortunate that Cooper's experience with Alias ended on such a poor note, but the timing of his departure could not have been better planned. If he had stayed on the show and rode out his time with a diminishing part, he would have missed out on the movie roles that catapulted him into stardom.