Doting Dads: Anderson Cooper & Andy Cohen's Sweetest Parenting Moments

When Andy Cohen became a father, Anderson Cooper was instantly elevated to uncle status.

Uncle Anderson received a special privilege, as seen in this picture; it captures the heartfelt moment when his longtime friend of thirty years, Benjamin Allen Cohen, met him for the first time. Benjamin was born through a surrogate on February 4, 2019.

Cooper wrote, “I could watch @bravoandy’s son the whole day through,” he said in his own post that day. “In fact, I find myself yearning for a nice wrapping too.

Instead, Anderson Cooper, the host of Anderson Cooper 360, felt it was now appropriate to perform the wrapping. And when his son Wyatt Morgan Maisani-Cooper was born (delivered via surrogate) on April 27, 2020, Cohen secured the initial interview.

Anderson Cooper, host of Anderson Cooper 360, deemed it fitting to wrap the baby. When his son Wyatt Morgan Maisani-Cooper was born (through a surrogate) on April 27, 2020, Cohen landed the first interview.

The Bravo host presented Ben to Wyatt Cooper, stating, “This is Wyatt, he’ll become a great friend of yours.” He added, “You two will likely travel together and, if you develop a bond with him similar to my affection for his father, your friendship will be fantastic.

And the rest is doting-dad history.

Cohen shared with Jimmy Fallon on The Tonight Show that it had been quite a journey and incredibly fascinating as they navigated learning how to manage everything, especially when Ben was only 2 months old. Even something as simple as leaving the house left Cohen wondering, “How do I do this? How do I take him outside?

After understanding the situation, the producer of Real Housewives playfully said, “Sometimes I push the stroller around without the child,” admiring the spacious storage that accompanied his baby’s transportation device.

Cooper, known for his lack of culinary enthusiasm and viewing food as merely fuel, honestly pondered, “What’s the secret to feeding children?

He expressed his worry about this matter on SiriusXM’s Andy Cohen Live on June 13. Essentially, he was puzzled about managing three daily meals for them and ensuring they were well-fed – that was a challenge he needed to tackle.

It turns out that the journalist who has covered war zones and natural disasters has surprisingly found proficiency not only in reporting but also in cooking simple meals such as scrambled eggs for breakfast and basic pastas for dinner. As Cooper himself admitted, “It’s actually possible.” Interestingly, a woman who assisted in caring for his late mother, Gloria Vanderbilt, even prepares meals once a week to ensure there are healthy options like salmon (which the kids enjoy) and vegetables available in the fridge.

Cohen remarked, “It’s quite intriguing for me to witness your home life,” he elaborated, “Because I rarely observe you dealing with household items like food, it holds a social curiosity for me.

Additionally, both friends embraced a family-oriented lifestyle: Sebastian Luke Maisani-Cooper, Wyatt’s younger sibling, made his arrival in February 2022, while Cohen became a father to Lucy Eve Cohen on April 29, two months later.

In an interview with Cooper on CBS Sunday Morning in May 2023, I shared that parenting has transformed me profoundly. Laughingly, I added that Cooper was about to perform his “Barbara Walters-Jedi trick” on me when we sat down together. What I mean is, he’s an expert at making people open up. Since becoming a parent, I’ve noticed my priorities have been completely rearranged, and the sense of achievement I used to seek has been replaced with something more meaningful. Even simple tasks like preparing breakfast for my child or taking him to school fill me with a unique sense of accomplishment nowadays. When I drop him off at school, I can’t help but exclaim, “You did it, buddy!

In his own words, the 56-year-old writer behind Daddy Diaries: The Year I Grew Up admitted that when he decided to become a father, the concept of raising children as a single dad (with ample support) didn’t intimidate him in the least.

Cohen remarked, “The idea suddenly struck me that I wanted to undertake this task. I’m going ahead with it, aware that it will be challenging, and uncertain about what exactly ‘that’ refers to.

As a devoted follower, I’ve come to understand the unique sensation known as “dad guilt.” It’s that lingering question that arises when I spend three hours with Ben and then have to head off to work, knowing you’re also at work. The doubt creeps in: “Did I give him enough attention today?”

But when Ben calls me his best friend or reaches out for my hand, or clings to me a little tighter than usual, those moments become the most rewarding victories of my day. There’s simply no greater triumph than these heartwarming connections with him.

Cooper also agrees that being the father of Wyatt and Sebastian stands as his greatest accomplishment. In an interview with People magazine in September 2023, he shared that there have been countless moments filled with “joy, humor, tenderness, and wonderment that leave me utterly amazed.

“This is the best time in my life,” the CNN anchor added. “There is no doubt about it.”

Sharing parenting duties and cohabiting with his former partner, Benjamin Maisani, following their split in 2018, felt quite intuitive to him, as they had compatible schedules.

Cooper shared that he works during the nighttime hours, meaning he’s present when it’s dark. Interestingly, we both adjust our sleep schedules so as to rise just before the kids do, providing them with their milk and spending the early morning hours exclusively with them. Benjamin communicates with them in French, which I don’t understand. I suspect they’re hatching a plan against me!

However, safety lies in having company, and Cohen and Cooper certainly have each other as they journey through the untamed territories of parenthood together.

Spending the day with Bravo Andy and the kids, as shown in this April 2024 photo where they’re both up on our shoulders. There’s no better way I can think of to enjoy a day.

Wrote Cohen on his page, “Every day is Father’s Day! #AC4.”

There’s no requirement to wait until New Year’s Eve to celebrate the delights of fatherhood; given that the children are still too little for such activities, let’s dive right into more heartwarming instances of Cooper and Cohen as dads:

Or, if you prefer a shorter version:

No need to wait for New Year’s Eve to appreciate fatherhood; the kids are still too young for parties. Instead, enjoy more sweet dad moments from Cooper and Cohen.

A fireman, a ball player and a fairy princess cross the street on Halloween in 2024.

On April 29th, 2024, I penned a heartfelt tribute: “Lucy turns two today, and it’s an absolute joy to be her daddy. She’s brilliant, amusing, and full of sweet surprises that never cease to amaze me.

As the days go by, the radiant feminine energy Lucy brings into our home grows stronger, making our lives more vibrant and fulfilling. This house simply feels happier with her around.

He went on to say, “Watching time pass through the lens of my children’s development leaves me amazed at this point in my life. It seems like everything is happening twice as fast, yet, as Hoda Kotb puts it, it’s all happening exactly when it should.

Andy and Ben had a bird’s-eye view of the April 8, 2024, solar eclipse.

“Bring your Daughter to #BravoCon Day!” Andy posted on Instagram in October 2022.

“She is so bright-eyed & sweet as [pie emoji],” Andy wrote on Instagram in September 2022.

Andy shared this photo of Lucy in August 2022.

Andy shared this sweet snapshot of him and his two children in July.

It didn’t take long for Benjamin to embrace the role of big bro.

In April, Andy welcomed the arrival of his second-born child, a lovely girl named Lucy Eve Cohen, who came into the world through a surrogate.

Ben and Anderson Cooper‘s son Wyatt are clearly destined to follow in their fathers’ footsteps.

On February 4, 2022, which happened to be his third birthday, Benjamin attended the star ceremony on the Hollywood Walk of Fame together with his father.

At the Hollywood Walk of Fame induction ceremony, where the musician played a part, is often seen socializing with the star’s son.

In September 2021, Andy posted a picture on Instagram featuring Mark Consuelos and his son. He admitted to calling him “Grandpa Pee” in the caption.

Back in September 2021, Andy posted a picture of Kelly Ripa alongside his son, disclosing that he affectionately refers to her as “Grandma Mae.

Andy and his son celebrate Father’s Day.

Andy appears with his son outside a fire station for Halloween 2020.

Andy and his son relax on a beach in September 2020.

Andy and his son visit a beach in August 2020.

Andy and his son engage in an epic lightsaber battle in June 2020.

Andy and his son wear matching outfits in May 2020.

Andy poses with his son in October 2019.

Cohen poses for a cute selfie with his son on his 51st birthday.

It’s Uncle Anderson Cooper again!

Little Benjamin enjoyed his initial Easter experience while cozily nestled against his happy dad, Andy Cohen, dressed in adorable nightwear.

As soon as spring hit in NYC, the Cohen men were out and ready to soak up the sun.

Benjamin was thrilled for Major League Baseball’s opening day in St. Louis, proudly displaying his affection for the Cardinals. The team’s pitcher, Michael Wacha, had been the namesake of his pet dog, a token Cohen received from him.

Benjamin met Mark Consuelos in early 2019 and we are forever jealous.

Ben is all set for the Real Housewives of Atlanta finale, dressed in his regal attire given by Porsha. What an adventure! #KingBen,” (Cohen posted on Instagram)

“The 40-Day-Old Virgin,” Cohen captioned this adorable snap on Instagram.

Benjamin has already met Jimmy Fallon so clearly he’ll be appearing on The Tonight Show in no time.

On Instagram, Cooper expressed joy as his oldest child, Wyatt Morgan Maisani-Cooper, celebrated his third birthday on April 27, 2023. He wrote, “This tiny peanut just turned 3!” The little one and his brother Sebastian are the most precious gifts I could ever imagine.

2022’s Christmas present-opening journey won’t require a compass, as Sebastian will rely on Wyatt as his guide instead.

Just make sure that ice cream stays in the cone, buddy.

Cooper let the focus be on 4-month-old Sebastian in June 2022.

We see Wyatt’s seal of approval and give this snap two thumbs-up.

In the photograph, Cooper and his co-parent, Benjamin Maisani, are seen leaning in together with their 2-year-old son Wyatt and newborn baby Sebastian.

Sebastian Luke Maisani-Cooper was born in February 2022.

All smiles with Wyatt.

In an Instagram post, Anderson Cooper shared that Wyatt is thriving at 10 weeks old. He enjoys taking naps, drinking milk, bath time, and storytime. He expressed gratitude for the kind cards and messages everyone has sent.