Sky's the limit for Bradley Cooper as he tops box office in first role as a leading man

By Daily Mail Reporter


Success of Limitless will cheer him after Renee Zellweger heartache

Winner: Bradley Cooper stars in the thriller Limitless which opened at number one at the North American box office


Less than a week after splitting from Renee Zellweger, his girlfriend of nearly two years, Bradley Cooper can at least celebrate his leading man status with movie goers.

The 36-year-old actor's psychological thriller Limitless grabbed the number one position at the American box office, opening this weekend with $19 million dollars.

It was a major coup for the actor to open in first place with his first leading role.

Successful combination: Cooper and co-star Robert De Niro have been heavily promoting their film, including this appearance on Late Night With Jimmy Fallon


Cooper stars as a struggling writer who takes a magical pill that allows him to tap into his maximum brain potential.

Oscar winner Robert De Niro co-stars as a financial guru who's fascinated by Cooper's character and Australian actress Abbie Cornish plays Cooper's girlfriend.

Love split: Newly single Renee Zellweger seen out in New York on the weekend


For years, Cooper played supporting roles in TV shows and movies like Wedding Crashers.

His breakout role finally arrived in 2009 with the hit ensemble comedy The Hangover, which opened the door to his first starring role in Limitless.

But last week the rising star made headlines for something other than his budding movie career-- his breakup with Oscar winner Renee Zellweger.

Cooper and the Cold Mountain actress ended their relationship after almost two years together.

Despite the off screen drama, the newly minted leading man proved unstoppable with film fans this weekend.

Although overall box office ticket sales were down from this time last year.

Coming in second place with $15.3 was the animated Western Rango which features the voice of Johnny Depp as a chameleon who's stuck in the desert.

Last week's number one movie, the alien invasion saga Battle: Los Angeles fell to third place with $14.6 million.

The Lincoln Lawyer starring Matthew McConaughey opened in fourth place with a disappointing $13.4 million.

Finishing out the top five is Paul starring British comedians Simon Pegg and Nick Frost with Seth Rogen providing the voice of a pot-smoking alien.


Source:dailymail