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7 Essential Facts About Anderson Cooper's Personal Life: From His Coming Out To His Unique Co-Parenting Arrangement

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The question of whether Anderson Cooper is gay has been definitively answered for over a decade, though the details of his personal life, especially his modern family structure, continue to evolve and capture public interest. As of December 25, 2025, the celebrated CNN anchor not only openly identifies as gay but has also become a prominent figure in the LGBTQ+ community and a proud father, navigating a unique and loving co-parenting arrangement with his former partner. His journey from being the "Silver Fox" who kept his private life strictly guarded to a transparent public figure is a powerful narrative of authenticity and modern fatherhood.

While the initial public confirmation of his sexual orientation happened back in 2012, the more recent updates—including the birth of his second child and the details of his living situation with his ex-partner—are what truly keep his story current and relevant. Understanding his identity is key to appreciating his role as one of the most trusted and enduring broadcast journalists in American television.

Anderson Cooper: Full Biography and Profile

Anderson Hays Cooper is an American broadcast journalist, political commentator, and author, best known as the anchor of the CNN news program *Anderson Cooper 360°*.

  • Full Name: Anderson Hays Cooper
  • Date of Birth: June 3, 1967
  • Age: 58 (as of 2025)
  • Birthplace: New York City, New York, U.S.
  • Parents: Gloria Vanderbilt (mother, artist/heiress) and Wyatt Emory Cooper (father, author)
  • Ancestry: He is a member of the prominent Vanderbilt family, a descendant of Cornelius Vanderbilt.
  • Education: B.A. from Yale University (1989)
  • Career Highlights: CNN anchor, correspondent for *60 Minutes*, author, and former host of the talk show *Anderson Live*.
  • Sexual Orientation: Gay
  • Partner/Co-Parent: Benjamin Maisani (dated for nearly a decade; split in 2018 but co-parent and live together)
  • Children: Wyatt Morgan Cooper (son, born via surrogate) and Sebastian Luke Maisani-Cooper (son, born via surrogate)

The Definitive Answer: Anderson Cooper’s Public Coming Out Story

For years, Anderson Cooper’s sexual orientation was widely considered an "open secret" within media and celebrity circles. Despite the persistent speculation, the journalist maintained a strict policy of keeping his personal life private, believing it could compromise his impartiality as a news anchor.

The 2012 Public Confirmation

In July 2012, Cooper finally addressed the speculation directly. He sent an email to his friend, *The Daily Beast* columnist Andrew Sullivan, granting permission to publish his statement.

The statement was direct and unambiguous: "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."

He explained that while he had previously resisted discussing his private life to protect his professional neutrality, he felt that his silence was inadvertently sending the wrong message. He stated that remaining silent on the issue made it seem as if he was "ashamed," which he was not.

Why the Confirmation Mattered

While the news wasn't shocking to many, the public affirmation from such a high-profile, respected, and non-sensationalized news figure was a significant moment for LGBTQ+ visibility. It was a powerful act of breaking the silence and using his platform to promote honesty and acceptance.

Cooper later reflected that the decision to come out was driven by a desire to live authentically and to be honest about who he is. His openness solidified his status as an icon for many young people struggling with their own identity, reinforcing the idea that one's sexual orientation does not define or limit professional success.

A Modern Family: Co-Parenting with Ex-Partner Benjamin Maisani

One of the most fascinating and up-to-date aspects of Anderson Cooper’s life is his current family dynamic. While he and his longtime partner, Benjamin Maisani, split in 2018 after dating for nearly a decade, they have maintained an incredibly close bond and a unique co-parenting relationship for their children.

The Two Sons: Wyatt and Sebastian

Cooper is a father to two sons, both born via surrogate. His eldest, Wyatt Morgan Cooper, was born in April 2020. His second son, Sebastian Luke Maisani-Cooper, was born in February 2022.

Cooper has publicly stated that becoming a father has been the "best time of my life," and he shares custody and all parenting duties with Maisani.

Living Together for the Children

In a move that has drawn significant attention, Cooper and Maisani decided to continue living together in the same home to raise their children, despite no longer being romantically involved.

This arrangement is rooted in their commitment to providing their sons with a stable, two-parent environment. Cooper has explained that Maisani is his family, and they function as a cohesive unit. This dynamic is a powerful example of how families can be redefined outside of traditional structures, prioritizing the well-being of the children above all else.

The shared responsibility and continuous presence of both parents, even after the romantic split, highlight a modern, progressive approach to co-parenting that resonates with many families today. This dedication is a testament to the strong foundation of respect and love that remains between the two men.

The Legacy of the "Silver Fox"

Anderson Cooper's public image, often referred to by the nickname "The Silver Fox" due to his signature gray hair, is one of integrity, empathy, and intellectual rigor. His career has been marked by fearless reporting from war zones and disaster areas, which he often attributes to a deep-seated desire to bear witness to the world’s most challenging events. This drive was, in part, motivated by the tragic loss of his older brother, Carter, who died by suicide in 1988.

His mother, the artist, designer, and heiress Gloria Vanderbilt, was a major influence in his life. He and his mother shared a very close relationship, which was chronicled in their joint memoir, *The Rainbow Comes and Goes: A Mother and Son Talk About Life, Love, and Loss*. Her death in 2019 was a profound moment, and Cooper has often spoken about the lessons he learned from her about resilience and living life on one's own terms.

Today, Anderson Cooper continues to be a leading voice in journalism, balancing his demanding career with the joys and challenges of fatherhood. His choice to be transparent about his sexual orientation and his unique family life further cements his legacy as a journalist who values truth and authenticity, both on and off the screen.

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