Anderson Cooper, a prominent CNN anchor, never imagined he would have children of his own. As a young boy, struggling with his identity, he felt a deep sense of sadness and uncertainty about his future as a parent. At the age of 12, after realizing he was gay, he wondered if fatherhood would ever be a part of his life. The thought that he might never experience the joy of raising a child was a painful one for him. Yet, fast-forward several decades, and Cooper finds himself in the fulfilling role of a father to two wonderful sons.
In April 2020, Cooper became a father for the first time, welcoming his son Wyatt Morgan into the world. Wyatt’s name was a tribute to his late father, Wyatt Emory Cooper, while the middle name, Morgan, came from Cooper’s mother’s side of the family. This name held special significance for Cooper as it was on the shortlist of potential names for him at birth. The arrival of Wyatt brought overwhelming joy, but also a touch of nervousness for Cooper, who, despite his extensive career and achievements, found himself navigating the unfamiliar terrain of parenthood.
Like many new parents, Cooper was full of questions and uncertainties. In fact, before Wyatt was born, he eagerly collected numerous books on parenting, thinking they would be his guide. However, in a lighthearted confession, Cooper admitted that despite gathering these books, he never actually read them. He humorously shared that simply having the books around didn’t make him any more prepared. “I got all these books about being a parent, and I didn’t read any of them,” Cooper laughed during a conversation on Ellen DeGeneres’ online platform. “It turns out you actually have to read the books,” he added, acknowledging his early misstep in preparing for the role of fatherhood.
Despite the initial uncertainties, Cooper fell in love with every aspect of being a parent. He embraced the challenges and the joy that came with raising a child. To support him through this journey, Cooper had the backing of his ex-partner, Benjamin Maisani. Though no longer romantically involved, Cooper and Maisani have developed a strong co-parenting relationship, one built on mutual respect and affection for each other. “It’s probably an unusual setup, but I knew he would be a great dad, and he is,” Cooper shared. The two remain close, not just as exes but as family, sharing a commitment to raising their children together in a loving and supportive environment.
This co-parenting dynamic proved to be even more important when the family expanded. In the summer of 2023, Cooper revealed that he had welcomed another son, Sebastian Luke Maisani-Cooper, into their home. The birth of Sebastian marked another milestone in Cooper’s journey as a father. On his show, Anderson Cooper 360, he joyfully introduced his second child to the world, revealing that Sebastian had arrived healthy and happy, weighing 6.8 pounds at birth. Cooper’s description of his newborn son was filled with affection, noting how even the occasional hiccup was endearing. “He mostly just sleeps and eats and certainly poops, but he already seems like a wise and thoughtful little chap,” Cooper said, smiling as he spoke about his new addition.
With the birth of Sebastian, Cooper’s family grew even closer, and he reflected on how much more prepared and at ease he felt this time around. Becoming a parent for the first time had left him feeling overwhelmed, but now, with a second child, he felt a deeper sense of calm and confidence. Having learned so much from the birth of Wyatt, Cooper approached his role as a father with a sense of ease, cherishing the time he could spend with his sons and making the most of every moment.
Cooper’s plans for the future are centered on his family. Now that he has two children, he intends to take some time off from his high-profile career to focus on spending quality time with his sons before they grow older. He has made it clear that family life is now his priority, and he is committed to savoring every moment of parenthood. In interviews, he has spoken candidly about how rewarding it is to be able to bond with his children, and he hopes to nurture their growth in a way that feels authentic and meaningful.
Cooper’s journey to fatherhood has been a transformative experience. The boy who once feared he would never have a child is now living the reality of raising two sons. His openness about his journey has resonated with many, offering a powerful message of hope, love, and the unpredictability of life. Anderson Cooper’s story is a testament to the fact that families come in many forms, and the love a parent has for their child is not defined by traditional expectations. Through his determination and the support of his loved ones, he has created a family that reflects both his values and his deep love for his children.
Anderson’s story also highlights the importance of having a strong support system, whether it’s family, friends, or co-parents. Cooper and Maisani’s ability to co-parent in a way that emphasizes collaboration and mutual care is a wonderful example of how non-traditional family structures can still thrive and create an environment of love and stability for children. It shows that no matter the circumstances, the love and commitment between a parent and child are what truly matter.
As Anderson Cooper continues his journey as a father, he remains grounded and filled with gratitude for his growing family. With Wyatt and Sebastian by his side, he looks forward to embracing the joys of fatherhood and making lasting memories with his two sons. It is clear that while his career in journalism has earned him fame and recognition, the title he cherishes most is that of “dad.”