Cooper Hoffman Reflects on His Acting Journey and Challenging Role in ‘The Long Walk’

Cooper Hoffman, the 22-year-old actor known for his breakout role in Paul Thomas Anderson’s ‘Licorice Pizza,’ opens up about his evolving acting career. After gaining fame and a Golden Globe nomination at 18, Hoffman faced self-doubt and insecurity as he navigated the demanding world of Hollywood. In his latest project, the survival thriller ‘The Long Walk,’ Hoffman stars as Ray Garraty in an intense, physically demanding role. The film, adapted from Stephen King’s first novel, revolves around a dystopian contest where participants must keep walking or face death. The experience was grueling, with the cast walking up to 15 miles a day in extreme heat. Hoffman draws on his personal experiences, especially the loss of his father, to bring depth to his character. He shares his journey from a hesitant young actor to a more confident performer, tackling roles that challenge his limits. Hoffman continues to explore diverse projects, including an upcoming role in ‘Artificial’ and the indie film ‘I Want Your Sex.’ Despite the pressures of fame, he remains grounded, focusing on his craft rather than public attention.