Academy Award-nominated Bradley Cooper is one of the most in-demand actors in Hollywood, but more than ten years ago he was a disenchanted actor with a small supporting role on J.J. Abrams’ television series “Alias.” His small acting role in the first season of the show became even less substantial in the second.

“I would only work three days a week. And then for the second season, I got even more sidelined,” Cooper tells GQ. “I was like, ‘Ugh.’ And then next thing you know, I was like, ‘I want to f***ing kill myself.’”

He played Will Tippin, a journalist and best friend to Jennifer Garner’s character Sydney Bristow. His character was written off at Cooper’s suggestion. “J.J. was like, ‘Okay.’ He probably would’ve fired me, anyway.”

He had no future acting jobs lined up. Two weeks later, an Achilles injury sidelined his professional life as well. His spent his time recuperating, but also questioning his acting career. “At some point, you have to come to terms with The business just doesn’t want you, you know what I mean?”

Yet he healed and persevered. In 2004, he landed a notable role in “Wedding Crashers.” The wildly popular “Hangover” franchise and lauded award nominations soon followed.

Cooper currently stars in “American Hustle,” with Christian Bale and Jennifer Lawrence.