50 Facts About Anderson Cooper

Early Life and Family

Anderson Cooper's background is as fascinating as his career. Let's explore his early life and family.

1. Anderson Cooper was born on June 3, 1967, in New York City.
2. His mother, Gloria Vanderbilt, was a famous fashion designer and socialite.
3. His father, Wyatt Emory Cooper, was a writer and novelist.
4. Cooper has an older brother, Carter, who tragically died from suicide in 1988.
5. This early loss deeply influenced Cooper's perspective on grief and loss.

Education and Early Career

Cooper's journey into journalism began with his education and early career choices.

6. He attended the Dalton School in New York City.
7. Graduated from Yale University in 1989 with a Bachelor of Arts in political science.
8. During college, he interned with the Central Intelligence Agency (CIA), which honed his investigative skills.
9. In 1989, he started as a fact-checker for Channel One News.
10. He forged a press pass to cover political turmoil in Myanmar, showcasing his dedication early on.

Rise to Prominence

Cooper's career took off as he joined major news networks and took on significant roles.

11. In 1994, he joined ABC News as a reporter.
12. Co-anchored "World News Now," ABC’s overnight news program.
13. Hosted the reality show "The Mole" from 2000 to 2001.
14. Returned to the newsroom in 2001 as a reporter for CNN.
15. Became the anchor of "Anderson Cooper 360°" in 2003.

Awards and Recognition

Cooper's work has earned him numerous accolades, highlighting his excellence in journalism.

16. He has won 18 Emmy Awards.
17. Received two Peabody Awards.
18. Earned an Edward Murrow Award from the Overseas Press Club in 2011.
19. His passionate reporting on Hurricane Katrina in 2005 brought him national attention.
20. His coverage of the earthquake in Haiti in 2010 earned him two Emmy Awards.

Personal Life

Cooper's personal life has been as public as his professional one, with significant moments shared openly.

21. Publicly revealed his gay identity in 2012.
22. Has been in a relationship with Benjamin Maisani since 2009.
23. Open about his grief, especially after his mother's death in 2019.
24. His openness about his identity has inspired many.
25. His personal experiences with loss have influenced his work and perspective.

Books and Writing

Cooper has also made his mark as an author, sharing his experiences and family history.

26. Wrote "Dispatches from the Edge: A Memoir of Wars, Disaster, and Survival" in 2006.
27. Co-authored "The Rainbow Comes and Goes: A Mother and Son on Life, Love, and Loss" with his mother in 2016.
28. Published "Vanderbilt: The Rise and Fall of an American Dynasty" in 2021.
29. Currently working on a new nonfiction book titled "The Astors."
30. His writing provides a unique perspective on his life and family history.

Podcasting and New Ventures

Cooper has expanded his reach with new projects, including podcasting.

31. Launched his podcast "All There Is With Anderson Cooper" in 2022.
32. The podcast focuses on grief and loss, resonating with many listeners.
33. The success of the podcast led to a second season.
34. Continues to explore different aspects of his life and career through new ventures.
35. His podcast has been well-received for its heartfelt and honest discussions.

Special Programs and Documentaries

Cooper has hosted several special programs and documentaries, showcasing his versatility.

36. Hosts "CNN Heroes: An All-Star Tribute," highlighting extraordinary deeds by ordinary people.
37. Began hosting the documentary series "Planet in Peril" in 2007.
38. Anchored the syndicated daytime talk show "Anderson" from 2011 to 2013.
39. Has worked in more than 40 different countries since starting his career in 1992.
40. His extensive travel has provided a unique perspective on global events.

Health and Challenges

Cooper has faced health challenges but continues to work in demanding environments.

41. Contracted malaria during a "survival trip" to Africa early in his career.
42. This experience did not deter him from continuing his work in challenging environments.
43. His bravery under pressure was evident when he saved a young boy during the Haiti earthquake coverage.
44. His health challenges have not stopped him from pursuing his passion for journalism.
45. Continues to report from some of the most dangerous places in the world.

Media Appearances and Modeling

Cooper's early media appearances and modeling career added another dimension to his life.

46. Made his TV debut at age three on "The Tonight Show with Johnny Carson."
47. Appeared on "To Tell the Truth" at age nine as an impostor.
48. Modeled with Ford Models from age 10 to 13 for brands like Ralph Lauren and Calvin Klein.
49. These early experiences in the media industry influenced his career choices.
50. His diverse background has contributed to his unique approach to journalism.

Anderson Cooper: A Life of Dedication and Impact

Anderson Cooper's journey is a testament to resilience, passion, and commitment. From his early days at Channel One News to becoming a household name with "Anderson Cooper 360°," he's consistently delivered impactful journalism. His bravery in the field, like during the Haiti earthquake, and his openness about his personal life, including his gay identity, have inspired many. Cooper's work extends beyond TV, with acclaimed books and a podcast on grief and loss. His legacy in journalism is marked by numerous awards, including Emmys and Peabody Awards. As he continues to explore new projects, like his upcoming book "The Astors," Cooper remains a significant figure in media. His story encourages us to embrace our experiences, face challenges head-on, and strive for excellence in our endeavors.