Anderson Cooper is one of journalism’s most recognizable names and faces. The veteran news anchor and reporter has covered some of the most important stories of our time, from natural disasters to global conflicts. But behind the camera, Cooper’s life has been marked by immense privilege and profound tragedy.
Who is Anderson Cooper?
Anderson Hays Cooper was born in New York City on June 3, 1967. He comes from an illustrious family—his mother is Gloria Vanderbilt, a famous artist, fashion designer, and heiress, and his father, Wyatt Emory Cooper, is an acclaimed writer. Cooper had a front-row seat growing up in the glamorous world of high society, but heartbreak also touched his childhood.
| Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| Name | Anderson Hays Cooper |
| Date of Birth | June 3, 1967 |
| Place of Birth | New York City |
| Age | 54 years old |
| Height | 6 feet |
Age and Physique
At 54, Anderson Cooper has maintained a youthful and athletic appearance. Standing 6 feet tall, he has a lean, fit build that has served him well as a globe-trotting journalist, often reporting from war zones and disaster areas. Cooper’s striking good looks led to a brief stint as a teenage model for brands like Calvin Klein and Ralph Lauren in the 1980s.
Personal Life and Relationships
Cooper has been open about his personal life, publicly coming out as gay in 2012. He has been in a long-term relationship with Benjamin Maisani, a nightclub owner, though the two split in 2018. Cooper has two children – Wyatt Morgan Cooper, born in 2020, and Sebastian Luke Maisani-Cooper, born in 2022 – who he shares with Maisani as they co-parent.
Tragically, Cooper’s life has also been touched by immense loss. His father, Wyatt, died suddenly during heart surgery in 1978 when Anderson was just ten years old. A decade later, his older brother Carter committed suicide by jumping from the 14th floor of their mother’s apartment building. These profound losses shaped Cooper and contributed to his decision to pursue journalism.
Net Worth and Salary
Thanks to his long and successful career in television news, Anderson Cooper has amassed an estimated net worth of $200 million. Much of this wealth comes from his lucrative contract with CNN, where he has hosted the nightly news program “Anderson Cooper 360°” since 2003. Reports indicate Cooper earns an annual salary of $12 million from the network.
While Cooper comes from a wealthy family – his mother, Gloria Vanderbilt, was an heiress to the Vanderbilt railroad fortune – he has not received a significant inheritance. Cooper has been vocal about not expecting or wanting a “pot of gold” from his family’s legacy, saying it may have undermined his motivation to succeed on his own merits.
| Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| Net Worth | $200 million |
| Annual Salary | $12 million |
| Notable Investments | Former firehouse in NYC, beach house in Trancoso, Brazil |
Professional Career
Cooper’s career in journalism began in the early 1990s after he graduated from Yale University. He started as a fact-checker for Channel One news channel but quickly shifted to reporting and filming stories in war-torn regions like Bosnia, Somalia, and Rwanda.
1995, Cooper joined ABC News as a correspondent, eventually becoming co-anchor of the network’s “World News Now” program. He left ABC in 2000 to host the reality show “The Mole” for two seasons before returning to news in 2002 when he joined CNN.
At CNN, Cooper’s career skyrocketed. He landed his show, “Anderson Cooper 360°,” in 2003 and has remained a fixture on the network ever since. In addition to his nightly program, Cooper has also worked as a correspondent for CBS’s “60 Minutes” and moderated presidential debates.
Cooper has been recognized throughout his career with numerous awards and accolades, including 18 Emmy Awards and a Peabody Award for his journalism. He is also a best-selling author, having published memoirs like “Dispatches from the Edge” and co-writing a book with his mother, Gloria Vanderbilt.
Investment and Funding
While Cooper’s primary source of income is his lucrative contract with CNN, he has also found success in other business ventures. In 2015, he teamed up with TV personality Andy Cohen to launch a live stage show called “AC2,” which toured over 50 cities nationwide.
Cooper has also made savvy real estate investments over the years. In 2010, he purchased a former firehouse in New York City’s Greenwich Village for $4.3 million and renovated it into a sprawling 8,240-square-foot home. He also owns a beach house in the Brazilian town of Trancoso.
Contact Details and Social Media
Fans of Anderson Cooper can follow him on various social media platforms. He is active on Twitter (@andersoncooper), Instagram (@andersoncooper), and Facebook, where he shares updates about his work and personal life.
For those looking to reach Cooper directly, he can be contacted through the CNN newsroom or via his representatives at the Creative Artists Agency (CAA) talent management firm.
| Platform | Details |
|---|---|
| @andersoncooper | |
| @andersoncooper | |
| Yes | |
| Contact Method | CNN newsroom or CAA representatives |
Conclusion
Anderson Cooper has led an extraordinary life, rising to the top of his profession while navigating immense personal tragedy. Cooper’s story is about resilience, determination, and a commitment to truth-telling from his privileged upbringing to his award-winning journalism career. As he continues to inform and captivate audiences worldwide, there’s no doubt that Cooper’s legacy as one of the preeminent news anchors of our time will only continue to grow.
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