Image credits: Wikimedia Commons
Anderson Cooper
June 3, 1967
New York City, New York, US
59 Years Old
Gemini
Who Is Anderson Cooper?
Anderson Hays Cooper is an American broadcast journalist, recognized for his incisive reporting and empathetic approach on global news stories. His distinctive style and calm demeanor have made him a trusted voice in media.
He first rose to widespread national attention for his impassioned, on-the-ground coverage of Hurricane Katrina in 2005. Cooper’s raw, unfiltered reports from the devastated US Gulf Coast resonated deeply with viewers.
Early Life and Education
Born into a prominent family, Anderson Cooper is the son of writer Wyatt Emory Cooper and artist Gloria Vanderbilt. He experienced a childhood marked by both privilege and personal tragedy.
Cooper attended The Dalton School in Manhattan before earning a Bachelor of Arts degree in political science from Yale University in 1989. While in college, he also completed two summers as an intern with the Central Intelligence Agency.
Notable Relationships
A string of high-profile relationships has marked Cooper’s personal life, though he generally maintains privacy. He publicly came out as gay in 2012.
Cooper co-parents his two sons, Wyatt Morgan and Sebastian Luke, with his former partner Benjamin Maisani. The ex-partners separated in 2018 but continue to share family life and co-parent their children together.
Career Highlights
Anderson Cooper is a preeminent broadcast journalist known for his extensive coverage across various major news events. He has anchored CNN's flagship program, Anderson Cooper 360°, since 2003.
Beyond his CNN duties, Cooper served for two decades as a correspondent for CBS's 60 Minutes, delivering high-impact, long-form journalism. He also hosts the deeply personal and chart-topping podcast "All There Is with Anderson Cooper."
To date, Cooper has collected numerous accolades, including multiple Emmy Awards, two Peabody Awards, and several GLAAD Media Awards for his journalism.
Signature Quote
“The map of the world is always changing; sometimes it happens overnight. All it takes is the blink of an eye, the squeeze of a trigger, a sudden gust of wind.”