Anderson Cooper is a prominent American broadcast journalist and political commentator, best known as the anchor of CNN’s news program “Anderson Cooper 360°.” Born into the renowned Vanderbilt family, he has built a distinguished career in journalism, marked by on-the-ground reporting and insightful political commentary.
Detailed Bio Table
| Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Anderson Hays Cooper |
| Date of Birth | June 3, 1967 |
| Place of Birth | New York City, New York, U.S. |
| Education | Bachelor of Arts in Political Science, Yale University |
| Parents | Wyatt Emory Cooper (father), Gloria Vanderbilt (mother) |
| Height | 5 feet 10 inches (178 cm) |
| Weight | Approximately 68 kg (150 lbs) |
| Children | Wyatt Morgan Cooper (born April 27, 2020), Sebastian Luke Maisani-Cooper (born February 10, 2022) |
| Net Worth | Estimated at $50 million as of 2025 |
Who is Anderson Cooper?
Born on June 3, 1967, in New York City, Anderson Hays Cooper is the son of writer Wyatt Emory Cooper and heiress Gloria Vanderbilt. He graduated from Yale University in 1989 with a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science. Cooper’s journalism career began with Channel One News, followed by positions at ABC News and CNN, where he has been a fixture since 2001. In addition to his role at CNN, he serves as a correspondent for CBS’s “60 Minutes.”
Anderson Cooper’s Personal Life
Anderson Cooper’s personal life is a testament to resilience, love, and family values. Born into the wealthy and influential Vanderbilt family, Cooper faced personal tragedies early in life, including the death of his father, Wyatt Emory Cooper, at the age of 10, and the tragic loss of his brother, Carter Vanderbilt Cooper, in 1988. These experiences profoundly shaped his outlook, inspiring him to value emotional strength and independence. Despite his family’s fortune, Cooper pursued a career built on hard work rather than relying on inheritance.
He publicly came out as gay in 2012 and has since become a strong advocate for LGBTQ+ rights. Cooper has often spoken about equality, inclusion, and representation, using his platform to promote social change. He is a devoted father to two sons, Wyatt Morgan Cooper, born in 2020, and Sebastian Luke Maisani-Cooper, born in 2022, whom he co-parents with his former partner, Benjamin Maisani. Their collaborative approach to parenting highlights Cooper’s focus on providing a nurturing and supportive environment for his children.
Anderson Cooper’s former boyfriend, Benjamin Maisani, is a French-American businessman and nightclub owner. The couple began dating in 2009 and maintained a long-term relationship before amicably separating in 2018. Despite their breakup, they remain close friends and co-parents to Cooper’s two sons, Wyatt Morgan Cooper and Sebastian Luke Maisani-Cooper. Maisani is actively involved in raising their children, reflecting the strong bond and mutual respect they continue to share.
Beyond his role as a journalist, Cooper enjoys traveling, reading, and photography, showcasing his passion for storytelling both on and off the screen. His ability to balance a high-profile career with personal priorities has earned him admiration as a grounded and relatable public figure.
Anderson Cooper’s Career Highlights
Anderson Cooper’s career in journalism began in the early 1990s when he worked as a fact-checker for Channel One News. His determination led him to produce his news segments, traveling to war-torn regions such as Myanmar and Somalia. In 1995, he joined ABC News as a correspondent, later becoming the co-anchor of “World News Now.” In 2001, Cooper transitioned to CNN, establishing himself as a leading news anchor.
His show, “Anderson Cooper 360°”, debuted in 2003 and quickly gained popularity for its in-depth analysis and live coverage of breaking news. Cooper’s coverage of major events, including Hurricane Katrina, the 2004 Indian Ocean tsunami, and the Haiti earthquake in 2010, earned him widespread recognition. In addition to his work at CNN, Cooper has been a contributor to CBS’s “60 Minutes” since 2007.
He has received multiple awards, including 18 Emmy Awards and two Peabody Awards, showcasing his dedication to quality journalism. Cooper’s versatility as a journalist is evident through his ability to handle sensitive interviews and report from dangerous locations, solidifying his reputation as one of America’s most trusted broadcasters.
Early Career in Journalism
Anderson Cooper began his journalism journey as a fact-checker at Channel One News. His early work demonstrated his courage and passion, as he reported having been in conflict zones like Myanmar and Somalia.
Breakthrough at ABC News
In 1995, Cooper joined ABC News as a correspondent and later co-anchored “World News Now.” This role marked his rise in national news broadcasting.
Success at CNN
Cooper joined CNN in 2001 and launched his program, “Anderson Cooper 360°,” in 2003. The show became known for its investigative journalism and live reporting.
Notable News Coverage
Cooper gained acclaim for covering major disasters, including Hurricane Katrina and the Haiti earthquake. His empathetic approach resonated with audiences worldwide.
Contributions to “60 Minutes”
Since 2007, Cooper has been a correspondent for CBS’s “60 Minutes,” conducting high-profile interviews and investigative reports.
Awards and Recognition
Throughout his career, Cooper has earned 18 Emmy Awards, two Peabody Awards, and several other honors, reflecting his impact on modern journalism.
Anderson Cooper’s Height and Physical Appearance
Anderson Cooper stands at 5 feet 10 inches (178 cm) and maintains a weight of approximately 68 kg (150 lbs). He is known for his distinctive gray-white hair and striking blue eyes, which complement his athletic build. His professional attire and poised demeanor contribute to his authoritative presence on television.
Anderson Cooper’s Net Worth as of 2025
As of 2024, Anderson Cooper’s net worth is estimated to be around $50 million. His income primarily stems from his roles at CNN and CBS’s “60 Minutes,” along with earnings from book publications and speaking engagements. Despite his family’s substantial wealth, Cooper has stated that he does not believe in inheriting money, emphasizing the value of hard work and personal achievement.
Social Media Accounts
| Platform | Username | Official Link |
|---|---|---|
| @andersoncooper | Twitter Profile | |
| @andersoncooper | Instagram Profile | |
| Anderson Cooper | Facebook Page |
Latest News about Anderson Cooper
As of January 1, 2025, Anderson Cooper co-hosted CNN’s “New Year’s Eve Live” alongside Andy Cohen. During the broadcast, Cooper shared a personal reflection on why he once disliked New Year’s Eve, revealing that his father passed away on January 5, 1978, which led to feelings of fear and loneliness during the holiday season. Over time, hosting the New Year’s Eve special has helped him find enjoyment in the occasion, especially through the camaraderie with co-host Andy Cohen and the connection with viewers who may also be experiencing loneliness or grief during the holidays.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Anderson Cooper married?
No, Anderson Cooper is not married. He was previously in a long-term relationship with Benjamin Maisani, and they co-parent their two sons.
Is Anderson Cooper still married?
No, Anderson Cooper has never been married.
How much is Anderson Cooper paid?
Anderson Cooper reportedly earns around $12 million per year as a CNN anchor.
Is Anderson Cooper a Nepo baby?
Yes, Anderson Cooper is considered a “nepo baby” as he is the son of heiress Gloria Vanderbilt and writer Wyatt Emory Cooper.
Did Anderson Cooper inherit Vanderbilt’s money?
No, Cooper did not inherit most of the Vanderbilt fortune. He has stated that he built his own wealth through hard work.
Is Gloria Vanderbilt still alive?
No, Gloria Vanderbilt passed away on June 17, 2019, at the age of 95.
When did Anderson Cooper go grey?
Anderson Cooper began going grey in his early 20s and fully embraced his silver hair in his 30s.
Is Anderson still with his partner?
No, Anderson Cooper and Benjamin Maisani split in 2018 but remain close friends and co-parents.
Is Carter Vanderbilt Cooper still alive?
No, Carter Vanderbilt Cooper tragically died by suicide in 1988 at the age of 23.
What does Benjamin Maisani do for a living?
Benjamin Maisani is a businessman and nightclub owner in New York City.
Does Anderson Cooper have a partner with his new baby?
No, Anderson Cooper co-parents his two sons with his former partner, Benjamin Maisani, but he is currently single.
How many children does Anderson Cooper have?
Anderson Cooper has two sons: Wyatt Morgan Cooper, born on April 27, 2020, and Sebastian Luke Maisani-Cooper, born on February 10, 2022.
What shows does Anderson Cooper host?
He is the anchor of CNN’s “Anderson Cooper 360°” and also serves as a correspondent for CBS’s “60 Minutes.”
Has Anderson Cooper written any books?
Yes, he has authored several books, including “Dispatches from the Edge” and “The Rainbow Comes and Goes.”
What is Anderson Cooper’s net worth?
As of 2025, his net worth is estimated to be around $50 million.
Is Anderson Cooper active on social media?
Yes, he maintains active profiles on Twitter, Instagram, and Facebook.
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