Now an A-lister, Bradley Cooper doesn't forget his pals

Hollywood star Bradley Cooper is not one to forget his friends.

This is how his childhood buddies Brian Klugman and Lee Sternthal found themselves directing The Words, a film about a writer who must face the consequences after he steals another man's work.

At a press conference for the film at the Four Seasons Hotel in Beverly Hills in August, Cooper says of his decision to sign as the film's lead: "I said 'yes' just because I'd do anything for them. Brian's my best buddy."

The Words' modest budget of US$6 million (S$7.4 million) alone suggests he is telling the truth and making the movie is a labour of loyalty for Cooper, who is earning more than twice that - US$15 million - for the movie he is currently filming, The Hangover 3.