When people look into the personal life of CNN anchor Anderson Cooper, they often search for details about his partner. While Cooper and his former long-term boyfriend, Benjamin Maisani, ended their romantic relationship in 2018, they continue to share a unique domestic life. Rather than parting ways completely, they live together as an extended family to raise their two sons, Wyatt and Sebastian.
Understanding this unconventional modern family requires looking past traditional relationship labels. Cooper and Maisani have built a stable household in New York City and Connecticut, prioritizing cooperative child-rearing and mutual support over romantic convention.
Who Is Benjamin Maisani?
Benjamin Maisani is a businessman, night-club owner, and former finance professional who maintains a notably low profile. Born in Corsica, France, in 1973, Maisani moved to New York City in 1994 to study art history at Hunter College.
Before transitioning into other business ventures, Maisani became a prominent figure in the New York nightlife scene. He co-owned several popular downtown venues, including the East Village bar Eastern Standard, the gay nightclub Barracuda, and the now-closed Bedlam. Despite owning establishments known for bustling crowds, Maisani has often described himself as remarkably low-key, preferring quiet evenings and art appreciation over the celebrity party circuit.
His passion for art extends beyond a casual hobby. Maisani has a deep appreciation for both contemporary works and Old Masters paintings, an interest that often intersected with Cooper's own evolving tastes during their years together.
The Timeline of Their Relationship and Breakup
Cooper and Maisani crossed paths in 2009 through mutual friends and began dating shortly after. For nearly a decade, they were a fixture of public interest, maintaining residences together in Manhattan and Connecticut while navigating Cooper's demanding schedule as a globetrotting journalist for CNN.
In March 2018, Cooper publicly announced that he and Maisani had separated as romantic partners. The split was amicable, marked by mutual respect rather than hostility. Cooper told People magazine at the time that they remained family to each other and shared a profound bond.
What surprised observers was what happened next. Instead of moving into separate apartments, Maisani and Cooper decided to maintain a shared household. This arrangement provided a foundation of stability that eventually paved the way for a shared journey into fatherhood.
Modern Co-Parenting With Wyatt and Sebastian
Fatherhood reshaped Cooper's life and perspective. In April 2020, Cooper welcomed his first son, Wyatt Morgan Cooper, via surrogacy. From the outset, Cooper made it clear that Maisani would be an active co-parent.
Two years later, in February 2022, Cooper announced the birth of his second son, Sebastian Luke Maisani-Cooper. Maisani undertook the legal process of adopting Wyatt as well, ensuring that both children share their family lineage.
Their daily routine is engineered around their children's needs:
- Divided Shifts: Because Cooper works evening hours anchoring his news programs, Maisani is typically present during the evenings.
- Morning Teamwork: Both men wake up early to greet the boys, give them their morning milk, and spend uninterrupted hours together as a family.
- Cultural Influence: Maisani regularly speaks French to Wyatt and Sebastian, introducing them to his native language and heritage.
The household functions as a collaborative unit. Cooper has frequently noted that watching Maisani parent has deepened his admiration for his ex-partner, describing their setup as natural, joyful, and deeply grounding.
Life Inside Their Shared Household
Living with an ex-partner might sound complicated to outsiders, but Cooper and Maisani have found a rhythm that works seamlessly for them. During appearances on late-night programs and interview shows, Cooper has joked about the practical realities of their dynamic, noting that it eliminates the friction of traditional post-breakup arrangements.
The family divides their time between a historic brownstone in New York City and a sprawling estate in Connecticut that once belonged to Cooper's mother, the late fashion icon and artist Gloria Vanderbilt. These properties allow the boys room to swim, play with toys from Cooper's own childhood, and grow up surrounded by close family friends.
Their social circle often overlaps with other high-profile parents, most notably television host Andy Cohen, whose children are close peers to Wyatt and Sebastian. The families frequently vacation together, creating a supportive community for the children outside the spotlight.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are Anderson Cooper and Benjamin Maisani married?
No, Cooper and Maisani never married. They dated for nearly a decade before breaking up romantically in 2018, choosing instead to transition into a platonic co-parenting partnership.
Who are Anderson Cooper's children?
Cooper has two sons, Wyatt Morgan Cooper (born in 2020) and Sebastian Luke Maisani-Cooper (born in 2022). Both children were born via surrogacy and are being raised jointly by Cooper and Maisani.
Do Anderson Cooper and Benjamin Maisani still live together?
Yes. Despite ending their romantic relationship years ago, they continue to live in the same homes in New York and Connecticut to raise their sons together.
What is Benjamin Maisani's professional background?
Maisani is a former finance professional turned entrepreneur. He previously owned several prominent New York City bars and nightclubs and holds a strong academic background in art history.
