Anderson Cooper, the iconic CNN anchor known for his fearless reporting, is currently single as of October 2025, dedicating himself to co-parenting his two sons rather than seeking a new gay relationship. At 58 years old, this openly gay journalist remains unmarried, prioritizing fatherhood over romance amid his high-profile career. With a net worth of $60 million, an annual salary of $18 million, standing 5 feet 10 inches tall, and weighing 154 pounds, Cooper balances global journalism with quiet family moments. This article dives into his life, from his Vanderbilt roots to his modern family, offering fresh insights into what drives this media titan.
Early Life: A Childhood of Glamour and Grief
Born on June 3, 1967, in Manhattan, Anderson Cooper grew up surrounded by wealth and tragedy. His father, Wyatt Emory Cooper, a screenwriter, inspired Anderson’s love for storytelling, later honored by naming his son Wyatt. His mother, Gloria Vanderbilt, a fashion designer and heiress, introduced him to high society, with toddler Anderson even appearing on Harper’s Bazaar. Tragedy struck early: Wyatt died during open-heart surgery in 1978 when Anderson was 10. His brother, Carter Vanderbilt Cooper, died by suicide in 1988, leaping from Gloria’s 14th-floor apartment. Gloria passed from stomach cancer in 2019 at 95, leaving Anderson a modest $1.5 million inheritance. These losses shaped his empathetic journalism, as explored in his 2022 podcast All There Is with Anderson Cooper, where he shared playing Dungeons & Dragons with Carter as a childhood escape. Learn more about his roots on his Wikipedia page or the Vanderbilt family history.
Career Success: From War Zones to CNN Stardom, Salary, and Net Worth
Anderson’s journalism career began unconventionally. After Yale (1989, political science), he briefly interned at the CIA before freelancing in war zones like Rwanda and Somalia, self-funding trips to capture untold stories. Joining CNN in 2001, his raw coverage of Hurricane Katrina in 2005—challenging FEMA live—cemented his fame. Today, he anchors Anderson Cooper 360°, contributes to 60 Minutes, and co-hosts CNN’s New Year’s Eve with Andy Cohen. His $18 million annual salary and ventures like Dispatches from the Edge (2006) drive his $60 million net worth. With 18 Emmys and the 2023 Poynter Medal, his Haiti earthquake reporting raised $10 million for relief. Fans on X @AndersonCooper praise his calm under pressure. Explore his work at CNN’s Anderson Cooper 360°.
Personal Life: Gay, Single, and a Devoted Dad
Anderson Cooper, 58, came out as gay in 2012, stating to The Atlantic, “I’ve always been very proud of being gay.” His decade-long relationship with nightclub owner Benjamin Maisani began in 2006, ending amicably in 2018 due to Anderson’s schedule. They remain close, co-parenting their sons. A brief 2018–2019 romance with doctor Victor Lopez fizzled out. In 2025, Anderson is single, telling People in 2023, “I’m not dating. My kids are my world.” His sons, Wyatt Morgan Cooper (born April 27, 2020) and Sebastian Luke Maisani-Cooper (born February 10, 2022), were born via surrogacy. Benjamin adopted both, and they live together in Connecticut. A 2025 Disney World trip with Andy Cohen’s family, shared on Instagram @andersoncooper, showed their blended family joy. The Williams Institute notes a 25% rise in LGBTQ+ families since 2010, with Anderson’s story breaking stereotypes. Read more at People’s profile.
Height, Weight, Age, and Fitness Routine
At 5 feet 10 inches (178 cm) and 154 pounds (70 kg), Anderson Cooper stays fit at 58 with morning runs and yoga, essential for his grueling broadcasts. His Gemini traits—curiosity and adaptability—shine through. “Exercise is my therapy,” he told Men’s Health in 2024, linking it to processing grief. Family hikes with Wyatt and Sebastian or dance parties to ‘80s music keep him grounded, a contrast to his Vanderbilt upbringing.
Net Worth and Salary: Building a $60 Million Legacy
Anderson’s $60 million net worth stems from his $18 million CNN salary, book royalties (Vanderbilt, 2021), and $100,000+ speaking fees. His podcast All There Is draws sponsors like Calm. Unlike peers like Erin Burnett ($3 million salary), Anderson’s wealth is self-made, not inherited—Gloria’s fortune, once worth $90 million adjusted, was spent. He told Howard Stern in 2023, “I built this from scratch.” Track his finances at Celebrity Net Worth.
Anderson Cooper Biography: Key Facts
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Anderson Hays Cooper |
| Age | 58 years old (October 2025) |
| Birthdate | June 3, 1967 |
| Birthplace | New York City, NY, USA |
| Nationality | American |
| Ethnicity | White (Vanderbilt lineage) |
| Zodiac Sign | Gemini |
| Height | 5 feet 10 inches (178 cm) |
| Weight | 154 pounds (70 kg) |
| Profession | Journalist, anchor, author, podcast host |
| Education | B.A. Political Science, Yale (1989) |
| Married Status | Single; not married |
| Current Relationship | Single; not dating (2025) |
| Gay Partner History | Benjamin Maisani (2006–2018, co-parent); Victor Lopez (2018–2019) |
| Children | Wyatt Morgan Cooper (born 2020, age 5); Sebastian Luke Maisani-Cooper (born 2022, age 3) |
| Net Worth | $60 million (2025) |
| Salary | $18 million annually (CNN) |
| Father | Wyatt Emory Cooper (died 1978) |
| Mother | Gloria Vanderbilt (died 2019) |
| Siblings | Carter Vanderbilt Cooper (died 1988); two half-brothers |
| Career Milestones | CNN (2001); Katrina coverage (2005); 60 Minutes (2007); New Year’s Eve co-host |
| Awards | 18 Emmys, 2 Peabodys, Poynter Medal (2023) |
| Books | Dispatches from the Edge (2006), Vanderbilt (2021) |
| Podcast | All There Is with Anderson Cooper (2022–present) |
| Social Media | Instagram, X, Facebook |
| Unique Fact | Descendant of Cornelius Vanderbilt; former CIA intern |
Conclusion: A Life of Resilience and Authenticity
Anderson Cooper’s journey—from a grieving heir to a trusted anchor and devoted dad—shows how pain fuels purpose. At 58, single, and raising his sons, he redefines success. As he told Andy Cohen in 2025’s New Year’s broadcast, “Life’s too short for anything but authenticity.” Whether on CNN or at home, Anderson’s vulnerability is his strength.
