Anderson Cooper, a respected journalist and CNN news anchor, has always been known for his professionalism and dedication to his work. However, his personal life, particularly his journey to fatherhood and the unique relationship he maintains with his ex-partner, Benjamin Maisani, has recently captured public interest. Despite ending their romantic relationship, Anderson and Benjamin have come together to co-parent their two children, demonstrating a deep commitment to their family. Let’s explore Anderson Cooper’s path to fatherhood, his bond with Benjamin, and how they’re navigating co-parenting after their split.

The Secretive Beginnings of Anderson and Benjamin’s Relationship

A Private Love Story

Anderson Cooper and Benjamin Maisani’s relationship began in 2009, but it wasn’t until years later that the couple made their romance public. The two were incredibly private, with Anderson only sharing glimpses of their life together after a long period of secrecy. The couple’s commitment to privacy kept their relationship out of the spotlight for years.

Living Together in Greenwich Village

By 2018, it was revealed that Anderson and Benjamin were living together in a $4 million firehouse home in Manhattan’s Greenwich Village, which Anderson had renovated. Despite their private nature, the couple occasionally shared moments from their life together, including a joint feature in Architectural Digest showcasing their co-owned home in Brazil.

The End of a Decade-Long Relationship

The Public Announcement

In March 2018, after ten years together, Anderson Cooper announced that he and Benjamin Maisani had ended their relationship. The split, however, was amicable, with Anderson emphasizing that they still cared deeply for one another and remained close friends. “A while back, Benjamin and I called it quits on our relationship. We still love and care for one another as if we were family,” Anderson explained.

The Reason Behind the Split

One of the reasons behind their breakup was Anderson’s desire to start a family, something Benjamin was uncertain about. While the couple parted ways romantically, Anderson didn’t let the end of their relationship deter him from pursuing his dream of becoming a father.

Anderson’s Dream of Fatherhood Becomes a Reality

Welcoming Wyatt Morgan Cooper

In April 2020, Anderson Cooper became a father for the first time, welcoming his son, Wyatt Morgan Cooper, via surrogacy. Anderson shared the news during a CNN segment, expressing his joy and gratitude. “As a gay child, I never imagined that having a child would be possible,” he said, highlighting the significance of this milestone in his life.

Honoring His Family’s Legacy

Wyatt’s name holds special meaning for Anderson. He named his son after his father, Wyatt Cooper, who passed away when Anderson was just ten years old. Wyatt’s middle name, Morgan, was chosen from Anderson’s mother’s side of the family, honoring Gloria Vanderbilt’s lineage.

Co-Parenting with Benjamin Maisani

A Surprising Living Arrangement

Despite their breakup, Anderson and Benjamin continued to live together in the Greenwich Village firehouse. This unusual arrangement was part of Anderson’s commitment to ensuring that his son had the love and support of both parents. Anderson quipped that while he would be called “Dad” or “Daddy,” Wyatt would refer to Benjamin as “Papa.”

Benjamin’s Role as a Co-Parent

Initially hesitant about fatherhood, Benjamin Maisani eventually embraced his role as a co-parent. Anderson praised Benjamin’s involvement, noting that he had become an excellent father to Wyatt. Their co-parenting dynamic is built on mutual respect and a shared commitment to providing the best possible upbringing for their son.

Expanding the Family

The Arrival of Sebastian Luke Maisani-Cooper

In February 2022, Anderson Cooper announced the birth of his second son, Sebastian Luke Maisani-Cooper, also born via surrogacy. Once again, Benjamin Maisani was named as a co-parent, and Anderson revealed that Benjamin was in the process of adopting Wyatt as well, giving both boys the last name Maisani-Cooper.

The Joys and Challenges of Fatherhood

Embracing the Chaos

Fatherhood has brought immense joy to Anderson’s life, but it hasn’t been without challenges. In an interview, Anderson candidly admitted that he was “tired more than I’ve ever been” after Wyatt’s birth. Despite the exhaustion, he expressed how much he loved being a father, often becoming emotional when talking about his sons.

A New Perspective on Life

Becoming a father has shifted Anderson’s perspective on life. He shared how fatherhood brought a sense of order to his world, and how waking up early to spend time with his sons became the highlight of his day. For Anderson, fatherhood has changed everything, bringing him a profound sense of fulfillment and purpose.

The Future of Their Family

Plans for the Future

Anderson has hinted that he might consider expanding his family further in the future, although for now, he’s focused on adjusting to life with two young children. He’s also committed to continuing the strong co-parenting relationship he has with Benjamin, ensuring that both Wyatt and Sebastian grow up surrounded by love and support.

Conclusion

Anderson Cooper’s journey to fatherhood is a testament to the power of love, commitment, and the importance of family. Despite the end of his romantic relationship with Benjamin Maisani, the two have come together to create a nurturing and supportive environment for their sons. Their story is a reminder that family comes in many forms, and what matters most is the love and care we provide to those closest to us.

Final Thoughts

As Anderson Cooper continues to navigate the challenges and joys of fatherhood, his story serves as an inspiration to many. It’s a powerful example of how love can transcend traditional boundaries, creating a family built on mutual respect, understanding, and a shared commitment to the well-being of the next generation.