Anderson Cooper Biography
Anderson Cooper is a celebrated American journalist and TV anchor. He was born on June 3, 1967, in New York City into the prominent Vanderbilt family. Cooper earned his B.A. in political science from Yale University in 1989.
Cooper began his journalism career at Channel One News, reporting from global hotspots. Later, he joined ABC News as a correspondent and co–anchor. In 2001, he moved to CNN where he launched the influential show Anderson Cooper 360°.
Over the years, Cooper reported on major events like Hurricane Katrina and international conflicts. He also contributed to the CBS program 60 Minutes for nearly two decades, stepping down in 2026 to focus on his young children.
Anderson is also a bestselling author and has won numerous awards for his powerful reporting. Additionally, Cooper has openly shared his life as an LGBT+ role model and devoted dad. Today, he remains a key figure at CNN, anchoring news, hosting specials, and shaping modern broadcast journalism.
Anderson Cooper Age
How old is Anderson Cooper?
Anderson Cooper was born on June 3, 1967 in New York City. He is 58 years old in 2026 and celebrates his birthday every June. Cooper remains active in journalism at CNN, anchoring major news coverage worldwide. Moreover, even at age 58, he still reports and hosts specials. His age reflects decades of experience in broadcast journalism.
Anderson Cooper’s Height
How tall is Anderson Cooper?
Cooper stands about 5 feet 10 inches (178 cm) tall in 2026. This measurement reflects his height as a well‑known CNN anchor and journalist. Moreover, Cooper’s height gives him a confident on‑screen presence during news coverage.
Anderson Cooper Partner | Spouse
Does Anderson Cooper have a husband?
Anderson Cooper does not have a romantic partner in 2026. He is currently single and focused on family life with his two sons. However, for many years he shared life with Benjamin Maisani, a nightclub owner and art enthusiast. Cooper and Benjamin began dating around 2009 and publicly confirmed their relationship years later. They split romantically in 2018 after nearly a decade together, yet they have stayed close ever since. Moreover, Cooper and Maisani live together to co‑parent their sons, Wyatt and Sebastian, born via surrogate in 2020 and 2022. This unique setup highlights their bond as best friends and trusted parenting partners. Despite not being a couple anymore, Anderson has said the arrangement feels natural. Today, he focuses on raising his boys while continuing his work as a CNN anchor and journalist.
Anderson Cooper Children
Anderson is father to two sons, Wyatt Morgan Cooper and Sebastian Luke Maisani‑Cooper. He welcomed Wyatt on April 27, 2020 via surrogate. Wyatt’s name honors Anderson’s late father, Wyatt Emory Cooper. Then on February 10, 2022, Cooper and his co‑parent welcomed Sebastian, again via surrogate. Sebastian’s last name combines both Cooper’s and his co‑parent’s surnames. Furthermore, Wyatt calls Anderson “Daddy” while his younger brother enjoys playing and exploring with him. Cooper lives with the boys and focuses on raising them while anchoring news at CNN. As of 2026, Wyatt is about 5 years old and Sebastian is 3 years old. Their family often appears in happy moments shared by Cooper.
Anderson Cooper Parents and Family Background
Anderson Cooper was born to Wyatt Emory Cooper and Gloria Vanderbilt, both influential parents in his life. His father, Wyatt, worked as a writer, screenwriter, and actor until his early death in 1978. The loss shaped Anderson’s childhood deeply. Moreover, his mother, Gloria Vanderbilt, was a fashion designer, artist, author, and heiress from the famed Vanderbilt family. She raised Anderson after Wyatt’s passing and supported his career as a journalist. Additionally, Gloria’s legacy in arts and style influenced Anderson’s worldview and storytelling. Sadly, she passed away in 2019, but Cooper still speaks about their close bond. Anderson credits his parents for inspiring his curiosity, resilience, and career in news media.
Anderson Cooper’s Siblings – Brothers & Family Background
Anderson Cooper has three brothers who shaped his early life and family story. First, his older brother, Carter Vanderbilt Cooper, was born in 1965 and died tragically in 1988. This loss affected Anderson deeply as a young man. Moreover, Cooper has two older half‑brothers, Leopold Stanislaus “Stan” Stokowski and Christopher Stokowski, from his mother’s earlier marriage to conductor Leopold Stokowski. Leopold works as an artist and sculptor and has children of his own, while Christopher has largely stayed out of the spotlight. Because Anderson grew up with siblings older than him, he often learned from their experiences. Despite family challenges, his brothers remained part of his life story and helped shape his resilience and perspective.
Anderson Cooper Education – Schools, Degree & Early Learning Journey
Anderson began his education at the Dalton School, a private day school in Manhattan, New York. He graduated early at age 17 after excelling academically and engaging in meaningful experiences during high school. Then, Cooper enrolled at Yale University, one of the leading Ivy League schools in the United States. He majored in political science and earned his Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) degree in 1989. While at Yale, he joined the Manuscript Society and rowed with the lightweight crew team. Moreover, during his college years, Cooper spent two summers interning with the Central Intelligence Agency, an experience that deepened his interest in global affairs. After Yale, he also studied Vietnamese briefly at the University of Hanoi, expanding his cultural and language knowledge.
Anderson Cooper CNN Career
Cooper joined CNN in 2001 after work at ABC News and Channel One News. Since then, he became one of the network’s most trusted news anchors and correspondents. Then, in 2003, Cooper launched Anderson Cooper 360°, a nightly CNN news program known for deep reporting and live coverage. Moreover, he has anchored major global stories for CNN, including conflicts, elections, and disasters. His work often blends field reporting with in‑studio analysis. Additionally, Cooper co‑hosts CNN’s New Year’s Eve Live and continues anchoring AC360 as of 2026. Although he recently left CBS’s 60 Minutes, he renewed his CNN contract in 2025 to focus on news coverage, podcasts, and specials. Cooper remains a key figure at CNN, shaping how audiences experience global and political news.
Anderson Cooper Political Views – Is the CNN Anchor Liberal or Neutral?
Anderson Cooper rarely shares clear political views or party affiliation. Instead, he emphasizes journalistic neutrality while reporting on political events. He has explained that reporters should remain observers and avoid showing personal bias. Moreover, Cooper has said that journalists sometimes avoid voting to protect professional impartiality. This approach helps him ask tough questions across the political spectrum. However, critics sometimes speculate about his political leanings because he anchors programs on CNN, a network many view as liberal. Still, Cooper consistently states that his role focuses on objective reporting and political accountability.
Anderson Cooper Salary
Anderson Cooper earns one of the highest salaries among television news anchors. In 2026, his CNN salary is estimated between $18 million and $20 million per year for hosting Anderson Cooper 360° and related roles. Moreover, Cooper also earns money from books, speaking engagements, and media projects, boosting his overall annual income. Because he anchors at a national news network and attracts viewers, his compensation reflects his experience and prominence in broadcast journalism.
Anderson Cooper Net Worth 2026 – Journalist Wealth & Earnings
Anderson Cooper has an estimated net worth of about $200 million in 2026 from decades in broadcast journalism. He earned wealth through his CNN salary, bestselling books, and speaking engagements. Moreover, smart investments and media projects also contribute to his overall financial success.Because Cooper remains a respected news anchor, his net worth reflects both influence and longevity in media.
