Anderson Cooper is an American journalist and political commentator who anchors CNN’s Anderson Cooper 360° and is also a correspondent for CBS News’ 60 Minutes. He began his career after graduating from Yale University in 1989, shooting footage for Channel One News before joining ABC News as a correspondent in 1995. Cooper has taken on various roles in the network, including co-anchor, reality game show host, and fill-in morning talk show host.
Profile Summary
| Full Name | Anderson Hays Cooper |
| Date of Birth | June 3, 1967 |
| Place of Birth | New York City, New York, USA |
| Nationality | American |
| Partner | Benjamin Maisani (former partner) |
| Occupations | Journalist, Television Personality |
| Net Worth | Estimated between $60 million and $200 million |
Early Life and Education
Anderson Cooper was born on June 3, 1967, in New York City, to writer Wyatt Emory Cooper and artist Gloria Vanderbilt. He grew up in a prominent family, with connections to the Vanderbilt fortune.
Cooper attended the Dalton School, graduating in 1985, and later earned a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science from Yale University in 1989. His early media exposure included modeling and appearances on television, notably on The Tonight Show at age three. Despite
Career
Channel One (1989-1992)
After graduating from Yale University in 1989 with a degree in Political Science, Anderson Cooper began his journalism career at Channel One, a news program aimed at high school students. As a fact-checker, he quickly learned the ropes of news production and reporting. His determination to cover significant stories led him to travel to conflict zones, where he reported from places like Myanmar and Somalia.
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ABC News (1992-2000)
In 1992, Cooper joined ABC News, where he worked as a correspondent. He co-anchored World News Now, a late-night news program. During this period, he covered various major stories, including the 1994 Rwandan genocide and the aftermath of the Oklahoma City bombing in 1995.
His experiences in war zones and disaster areas helped shape his journalistic style and commitment to covering human-interest stories.
CNN (2001-Present)
In 2001, Cooper made a pivotal move to CNN, where he initially served as a correspondent. His first major assignment was covering the September 11 attacks and their aftermath. His calm demeanor and insightful reporting quickly garnered attention.
Anderson Cooper 360° (2003-Present)
In 2003, Cooper launched Anderson Cooper 360°, a prime-time news program that combines hard news with in-depth analysis and interviews. The show has become known for its comprehensive coverage of breaking news events and significant global issues. Notable moments include:
- Hurricane Katrina (2005): Cooper’s on-the-ground reporting during Hurricane Katrina brought national attention to the devastation in New Orleans. His emotional coverage highlighted the struggles of residents and the government’s inadequate response.
- The Arab Spring (2010-2011): He reported extensively from Egypt during the protests against President Hosni Mubarak, providing viewers with firsthand accounts of the unfolding events.
- The Boston Marathon Bombing (2013): Cooper provided live coverage of the bombing and subsequent manhunt, showcasing his ability to deliver breaking news with clarity and compassion.
Other Projects
In addition to his work on Anderson Cooper 360°, he has contributed to CBS’s 60 Minutes, where he has reported on various topics ranging from politics to human interest stories. His work on this prestigious program further solidified his reputation as a serious journalist.
As of 2023, Anderson Cooper continues to be a prominent figure in journalism. He has expanded his role beyond traditional news reporting by engaging in discussions about social issues, politics, and humanitarian efforts. He also hosts The Whole Story with Anderson Cooper, which delves deeper into specific topics affecting society today.
Personal Life
Anderson Cooper is an openly gay journalist and a significant figure in the LGBTQ+ community. He was in a long-term relationship with businessman Benjamin Maisani, which began in 2009.
Cooper and Benjamin Maisani separated in 2018, however, they maintain a close co-parenting relationship for their two sons: Wyatt Morgan Cooper, born via surrogate in April 2020, and Sebastian Luke Maisani-Cooper, born in 2022. Benjamin has adopted both children, and the family often lives together to raise them.
As of late 2023, Cooper has indicated that he is single and not actively seeking a new relationship, prioritizing his role as a father.
Anderson Cooper Net Worth
Anderson Cooper’s net worth is estimated to be between $60 million and $200 million. His wealth primarily comes from his successful career as a journalist and television personality, particularly from his role as the host of Anderson Cooper 360° on CNN, where he reportedly earns around $20 million annually.
Although he inherited around $1.5 million from his mother, Gloria Vanderbilt, who passed away in 2019, most of his financial success is attributed to his extensive work in broadcast journalism and as a bestselling author.
Awards and Nominations
Throughout his career, Anderson Cooper has garnered numerous awards and nominations that highlight his contributions to journalism:
- Emmy Awards: He has won 20 Emmy Awards, recognizing his outstanding coverage of major events such as the Haiti earthquake and Hurricane Katrina.
- Peabody Awards: Cooper has received two Peabody Awards for excellence in broadcasting.
- Edward R. Murrow Award: This award was granted by the Overseas Press Club for his exceptional reporting.
- Walter Cronkite Award for Excellence in Journalism: He received this prestigious award in 2018 for his significant contributions to the field.
- Poynter Medal for Lifetime Achievement in Journalism: Awarded to him in 2023, this medal acknowledges his substantial impact on democracy through journalism.
Anderson Cooper continues to be a prominent voice in news reporting, with significant influence across various platforms, including CNN and CBS’s 60 Minutes.
