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Anderson Cooper: From Vanderbilt Heiress to CNN Anchor

Before rising to become a prominent figure in the field of journalism, Anderson Cooper was already known due to his lineage, being the son of the renowned Gloria Vanderbilt and a descendant of the influential Cornelius Vanderbilt, an American tycoon known for his significant contributions to railroads and shipping.

Despite hailing from a background of affluence, Cooper’s wealth primarily stems from his career in journalism rather than family inheritance. He has been candid about his upbringing, revealing how his mother emphasized the lack of a financial safety net for him. In a candid 2014 conversation with Howard Stern, Cooper stated, “My mom made it clear that there’s no trust fund. There’s none of that, and I don’t believe in inheriting money. From the time I was growing up, if I felt that there was some pot of gold waiting for me, I don’t know that I would’ve been so motivated.”

Following the death of Gloria Vanderbilt in June 2019 after her battle with stomach cancer, the public learned that her estate was not as vast as some may have assumed. Reports indicated that Cooper inherited approximately $1.5 million, which constituted the majority of her assets, while his half-brother, Leopold Stanislaus Stokowski, received their mother’s New York City apartment.

Cooper has certainly established his own identity in the media landscape as the host of CNN’s Anderson Cooper 360°, a role he has held since 2001. He also co-hosts the network’s annual New Year’s Eve Live special with his longtime friend, Andy Cohen.

Cooper’s Financial Landscape

As for Anderson Cooper’s net worth, estimates vary significantly. According to Celebrity Net Worth, it is around $60 million; however, a report by USA Today in 2021 suggested it might be closer to $200 million.

Cooper’s financial success is not just confined to his role at CNN. He has authored several bestselling books, such as Vanderbilt: The Rise and Fall of an American Dynasty and The Rainbow Comes and Goes: A Mother and Son on Life, Love and Loss. Furthermore, his career spans various platforms; he served as the host of The Mole on ABC from 2001 to 2008, guest hosted Jeopardy! in 2021, and appeared alongside his mother in the 2016 HBO documentary Nothing Left Unsaid: Gloria Vanderbilt and Anderson Cooper. He is also the host of the podcast All There Is With Anderson Cooper.

According to Yahoo! Finance, Cooper’s annual earnings from his anchor position at CNN are approximately $20 million, positioning him among the highest-paid journalists in the nation.

Source
www.tvinsider.com