The daughter of the star of “The Maestro,” Lea De Seine, born in March 2017, is shared with his ex-partner, model Irina Shayk. However, the 49-year-old recently disclosed his initial struggles in the early months of fatherhood.

In an episode of Dax Shepard’s Armchair Expert podcast released on February 26, Cooper admitted that in the “first eight months” after Lea’s birth, he wasn’t certain if he truly “loved the kid.” The actor, known for his role in “Silver Linings Playbook,” found the experience of observing the transformation “dope” and “cool” but couldn’t comprehend the intense feelings expressed by other parents.

Cooper shared, “That’s my experience. I was fascinated by it. Loved taking care of it. But would I die if someone came in with a gun?”

However, after a few months, he noted a profound shift in his perspective on fatherhood. “All of a sudden, it’s like no question,” he said, acknowledging the transformative power of parenthood.

Cooper elaborated, stating, “I’m not sure I’d be alive if I wasn’t a dad. I just needed someone to say, like, ‘We’re gonna drop this massive anchor.'”

He likened the experience to a realization that there is something more significant than oneself, stating, “Your DNA is going to tell you that there’s something more important than you.”

The actor’s candid revelation sparked reactions on social media, with some expressing shock and others commending his honesty. Some users felt Cooper’s language was dehumanizing when describing his initial relationship with his daughter. However, others defended him, suggesting he might be describing an experience of postnatal depression and applauding his courage for openly sharing such feelings.