Anderson Cooper, born on June 3, 1967, in New York City, is a prominent American journalist and television personality, best known as the anchor of CNN’s flagship news program, Anderson Cooper 360°. He has earned acclaim for his insightful reporting and has become a trusted voice in American journalism, particularly noted for his coverage of major disasters and political events.
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Who is Anderson Cooper?
- Net Worth: $270 million
- Partner/ Husband/ Wife: Benjamin Maisani
- Family/ Parents: Gloria Vanderbilt (mother) and Wyatt Emory Cooper (father)
- Siblings/ Brothers: Carter Vanderbilt, Leopold Stanislaus, and Christopher Stokowski
- Podcast: All There Is with Anderson Cooper
- Age: 57 years
- Height: 5 feet 10 inches (1.78 m)
- Books: Dispatches from the Edge, and The Rainbow Comes and Goes
Anderson Cooper Age, Family, and Education
Cooper was born to a prominent family deeply rooted in American history. He is the son of Gloria Vanderbilt, a renowned socialite, artist, and fashion designer, and Wyatt Emory Cooper, a writer. His family background is steeped in wealth and influence; he is a descendant of the famed Vanderbilt family, known for their significant contributions to American society.
Growing up in such a high-profile environment, Cooper was exposed to the arts and culture from an early age, even appearing on the cover of Harper’s Bazaar as a child. However, his early life was marked by tragedy; he lost his father to heart surgery when he was just 10 years old and faced further heartbreak when his brother, Carter, died by suicide at the age of 23.
Despite these challenges, Cooper excelled academically. He attended the prestigious Dalton School in Manhattan before earning a Bachelor of Arts degree in political science from Yale University in 1989. His childhood dyslexia did not hinder his educational pursuits; instead, he found ways to overcome it with the support of his family.
Early Career
Cooper’s journalism career began shortly after graduating from Yale. He started out as a fact-checker for Channel One News, a program aimed at school-aged audiences. However, his ambition drove him to create opportunities for himself.
Armed with a fake press pass, he traveled to Myanmar to report on the political unrest there, which led to his promotion as Channel One’s chief international correspondent. His experiences in conflict zones laid the foundation for his future career as a war correspondent. In 1995, he transitioned to ABC News, where he served as a correspondent and co-anchored World News Now.
He briefly hosted the reality show The Mole but returned to news reporting following the September 11 attacks, feeling compelled to cover significant national events.
Anderson Cooper at CNN
He joined CNN in early 2002 as a correspondent and soon became the anchor of his own program, Anderson Cooper 360°, which debuted in 2003. His coverage of major events such as Hurricane Katrina garnered national attention and established him as a leading figure in broadcast journalism. His on-the-ground reporting during Hurricane Katrina in 2005 catapulted him into the national spotlight, showcasing his ability to connect emotionally with viewers during crises.
Throughout his career at CNN, Cooper has covered numerous pivotal events globally, including natural disasters, political upheavals, and humanitarian crises. He is recognized for his empathetic interviewing style and commitment to uncovering the truth. In addition to his role on CNN, Cooper has contributed to CBS’s 60 Minutes, and has hosted various specials for CNN, including CNN Heroes: An All-Star Tribute and Planet in Peril, further solidifying his reputation as a serious journalist.
Cooper is also an accomplished author. His memoir, Dispatches from the Edge, published in 2006, reflects on his life experiences and career challenges. He co-authored The Rainbow Comes and Goes: A Mother and Son on Life, Love, and Loss with his mother in 2016, which explores their relationship amid personal tragedies.
Awards and Recognition
Cooper’s journalistic excellence has earned him numerous accolades, including 20 Emmy Awards, two Peabody Awards, and an Edward R. Murrow Award. His work has been recognized not only for its depth but also for its impact on public understanding of critical issues.
In 2016, he made history by becoming the first openly gay journalist to moderate a presidential debate, marking a significant moment for LGBTQ representation in media.
Personal Life
Anderson Cooper’s personal life is as compelling as his professional one. He publicly came out as gay in 2012, stating that he felt it was important for others who might be struggling with their identity to see someone like him living openly. His decision to disclose his sexual orientation was met with widespread support and admiration.
Cooper has often spoken about how his family’s tragedies influenced his perspective on life and reporting. In April 2020, he became a father through surrogacy, welcoming his son Wyatt Morgan Cooper. This new chapter in his life has been shared openly with his audience, showcasing his vulnerability and commitment to family.
In February 2022, he announced the birth of his second son, Sebastian Luke Cooper.
Anderson Cooper Partner, Wife, and Husband
Cooper has emphasized that while he is currently single and not actively dating, nevertheless, Anderson Cooper’s current partner is Benjamin Maisani, with whom he shares a close co-parenting relationship despite having split romantically in 2018. Cooper has referred to Maisani as his “partner in parenthood,” emphasizing their strong friendship and familial bond as they raise their children together.
Cooper and Maisani first met in 2009 and confirmed their relationship publicly in 2015. Their romantic relationship ended in 2018, but they have maintained a supportive partnership focused on their children. Cooper has expressed that their living arrangement is unconventional but works well for them, allowing both to be actively involved in their sons’ lives.
Anderson Cooper Net Worth, Salary at CNN, and Lifestyle
Despite being part of a wealthy family—his mother was an heiress—Cooper has stated that he does not believe in inheriting wealth and prefers to earn his own living through hard work. Nevertheless, Cooper’s wealth is also influenced by his family background. He inherited approximately $1.5 million from his mother, Gloria Vanderbilt, after her passing in 2019.
This amount is relatively modest compared to the vast Vanderbilt fortune of the past, which has largely dissipated over generations due to extravagant spending and poor financial management within the family.
As of 2024, Anderson Cooper’s estimated net worth varies significantly among different sources. The most consistent figure reported is $270 million, attributed mainly to his extensive career in journalism and television hosting. His annual salary from CNN is approximately $20 million, supplemented by an additional $3 million from his role as a correspondent for CBS’s 60 Minutes.
Other estimates suggest his net worth could be as low as $50 million or as high as $200 million, reflecting discrepancies in reporting and valuation methods. Moreover, Cooper has investments in major companies such as Apple, Walmart, Netflix, Tesla, Microsoft, Alphabet (Google), and Mastercard. Likewise, Cooper reportedly holds around $15 million in cryptocurrency investments.
Despite claiming he is frugal, Cooper has been noted to blow most of his wealth. He previously purchased a Gulfstream jet for about $35 million and acquired a 50-foot yacht for around $11 million from a Russian billionaire.
Beyond journalism, Cooper is actively involved in philanthropy. He supports various charitable organizations focused on humanitarian efforts and social justice issues. His philanthropic work reflects his commitment to making a positive impact beyond the newsroom.
He has openly discussed his gambling losses, which total over $22 million in poker and sports betting over the past decade—an amount he notes is less than 5% of his net worth. His approach to spending reflects a blend of enjoying luxury while maintaining a grounded perspective on wealth.
Houses and Residences
He purchased a renovated former firehouse in Greenwich Village for $4.3 million in 2010. This unique property spans 8,240 square feet and features distinctive architectural elements from its original construction in 1906. Cooper owns several other properties, including a luxury mansion in Atlanta valued at around $20 million, which was inherited from his grandparents.
He also has a five-bedroom apartment in New York City purchased for approximately $8 million. Additionally, he owns a beach house in Trancoso, Brazil, further diversifying his real estate portfolio.
how tall is Anderson Cooper?
5 feet 10 inches (1.78 m)
Is Anderson Cooper Democrat or Republican?
Anderson Cooper is generally aligned with the Democratic Party. He has been known for his liberal viewpoints and has received a “Lean Left” bias rating from AllSides, indicating a moderate alignment with progressive policies and thought.
How much did Anderson Cooper inherit from Gloria Vanderbilt?
He inherited approximately $1.5 million from his mother, Gloria Vanderbilt, after her passing in 2019.
how much Anderson Cooper worth?
As of 2024, Anderson Cooper’s estimated net worth varies significantly among different sources. The most consistent figure reported is $270 million, attributed mainly to his extensive career in journalism and television hosting.
where is Anderson Cooper today?
Anderson Cooper is currently engaged in his role as the anchor of Anderson Cooper 360°, which airs weeknights at 8 PM ET on CNN. He also contributes as a correspondent for 60 Minutes on CBS, where he has been active since 2006.
how is Anderson Cooper related to the Vanderbilts?
He is the son of Gloria Vanderbilt, a renowned socialite, artist, and fashion designer, and Wyatt Emory Cooper, a writer.