As one of the most recognizable faces in broadcast journalism, CNN anchor Anderson Cooper spends his professional life dissecting global crises and political turmoil. Away from the cameras, public curiosity frequently turns toward his personal life, relationship status, and family dynamic.
Is Anderson Cooper married? No, the veteran journalist has never been married. However, his domestic life is far from conventional. He shares his home and life with his former partner, Benjamin Maisani, with whom he successfully co-parents two sons. Rather than following a traditional path, Cooper has carved out a modern family structure that redefines conventional notions of relationships and breakup recovery.
The Long-Term Relationship With Benjamin Maisani
Before establishing their current co-parenting arrangement, Cooper and nightclub owner Benjamin Maisani were in a committed romantic relationship for nearly a decade. The pair began dating around 2009 and became one of the more high-profile couples in New York's social scene. For years, they kept details of their private life closely guarded, rarely addressing their romance in public interviews.
In March 2018, Cooper announced that they had broken up. Despite ending their romantic involvement, the two made a conscious choice to remain close. Cooper released a public statement emphasizing that they remained family to each other, sharing a deep mutual affection and deep friendship.
Unlike many high-profile breakups that dissolve into public feuds, Cooper and Maisani put their bond into practice. They continued to live in close proximity, eventually sharing a household to raise children together. Their ability to transition from romantic partners to platonic family members has drawn widespread public fascination and praise.
Fatherhood and Co-Parenting Two Sons
Parenthood became the defining chapter of Cooper's later life. In April 2020, during the height of the global pandemic, Cooper announced the birth of his first son, Wyatt Morgan Cooper, via surrogacy. He named Wyatt after his late father, who passed away when Cooper was young.
Initially, Cooper embarked on fatherhood as a single parent. However, Maisani remained a constant presence in his life. Over time, Maisani warmed up to the idea of raising children, leading to a unique co-parenting evolution. In February 2022, Cooper announced the arrival of his second son, Sebastian Luke Maisani-Cooper. Maisani began the legal process to adopt Wyatt as well, ensuring that both boys share their family lineage.
Today, the household operates as a cohesive unit. The children call Cooper "daddy" and Maisani "papa". According to interviews given by Cooper to outlets like People, the unconventional arrangement works seamlessly because both men prioritize emotional stability and love for the children above traditional relationship labels.
The Vanderbilt Heritage and Early Family Background
To understand Cooper's personal life, you have to look at the unique legacy he inherited. He is the youngest son of the late writer Wyatt Cooper and legendary artist and fashion icon Gloria Vanderbilt, a member of the prominent Vanderbilt railroad family.
Growing up surrounded by immense wealth and historic privilege was paired with profound personal tragedy. Cooper's father died following a series of heart attacks when Cooper was just ten years old. A few years later, his older brother, Carter, died by suicide at age 23. These early losses heavily shaped Cooper's emotional resilience, driving his empathy when reporting on human suffering and disaster zones across the globe. He detailed these family dynamics and grief in a joint memoir with his mother, The Rainbow Comes and Goes, published via HarperCollins.
Coming Out and Public Perception
For years early in his career, Cooper maintained a strict boundary between his public journalism work and his private life. While colleagues and industry insiders knew he was gay, Cooper chose not to discuss his sexuality publicly for professional reasons, fearing it might compromise his perceived journalistic neutrality in conflict zones.
In July 2012, Cooper authorized a candid email to real estate author Andrew Sullivan, which Sullivan published on his blog. In the message, Cooper wrote openly: "The fact is, I'm gay, always have been, always will be, and I couldn't be any more happy, comfortable with myself, and proud".
Looking back, Cooper has noted that while he initially feared the disclosure might hurt his career, the response was overwhelmingly positive. It allowed him to live authentically without hiding his partner or his family from the public eye.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are Anderson Cooper and Andy Cohen married or dating?
No. Despite hosting CNN's New Year's Eve broadcast together for years and sharing deep public chemistry, Cooper and Cohen are strictly close friends. They met on a blind date decades ago that never turned romantic, though they now take family vacations together with their respective children.
Who is Benjamin Maisani?
Benjamin Maisani is a businessman and former nightclub owner who operates in New York City. He was Cooper's romantic partner for nearly a decade and now lives with Cooper as a co-parent and family member to raise their two sons.
How many children does Anderson Cooper have?
Cooper has two sons, Wyatt Morgan and Sebastian Luke, both born via surrogacy. He raises them alongside his former partner, Benjamin Maisani.
Does Anderson Cooper plan on getting married in the future?
Cooper has stated in recent interviews that dating is not a priority for him. He has expressed complete contentment with being single, noting that raising his two sons provides the deepest fulfillment of his life.
