Bradley Cooper exec producing documentary about caregiving in the US

Bradley Cooper (Photo: Georges Biard)

US public media station WETA in Washington DC has begun production on a two-hour documentary about caregivers executive produced by Hollywood star Bradley Cooper.

Caregiving will feature a diverse group of caregivers sharing their personal stories of challenge and triumph and is set to premiere on PBS in spring 2025.

A production of Cooper’s Lea Pictures and WETA Washington DC, in association with Ark Media, Caregiving will reveal the vital impact of the caregiver’s role in the family, the workplace and the country’s economy.

Directed by Chris Durrance, the film comes as the US faces the twin pressures of an aging baby boomer generation and rising life expectancy, which threatens to tip its long-term care system into crisis.

The caregiving experience is personal for Cooper, who was a caregiver for his late father, Charles J. Cooper, who had lung cancer.

The actor, producer and director’s efforts to elevate portrayals of caregiving across film and television inspired the Caregiving documentary, which is his first project produced for PBS.

Well Beings, WETA’s award-winning multiplatform campaign addressing various health needs in the US, will present Caregiving as its next feature film.

“When my father was diagnosed with cancer, that was a wake-up call for me, one that really opened my eyes to the world of caregiving,” said Cooper.

“Everyone will end up caring for a loved one at some point in their life. The level of loneliness can overcome an individual going through this – it’s overwhelming. Raising this conversation on a national level will help, and together, I believe we can make a difference. I’m extremely proud to produce this documentary. Together, we can help raise the banner for caregivers.”

Sharon Percy Rockefeller, president and CEO of WETA and a producer on the project, said: “The act of giving and receiving care touches the lives of every American. Caregiving underscores the challenging and fulfilling work of individuals who are the bedrock of the nation’s long-term care system.

“The selfless act of caregiving is a most worthy cause to activate the power of public media to connect and galvanize providers and supporters to join forces and bring attention to the urgent support system needed to protect this often-overlooked population.”