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NEED TO KNOW
Anderson Cooper and Andy Cohen have been friends since the early 2000s
They reconnected years after a friend set them up on a blind date, which Cooper called off
The CNN reporter and the reality TV host have been hosting CNN's New Year's Eve broadcast together since 2017
Anderson CooperandAndy Cohenhave been friends for over 20 years.
The reality TV host and longtime CNN reporter were originally set up on a blind date by mutual friends in the '90s, but Cooper called it off before they could get together. Luckily, they reconnected years later and have been close friends ever since.
Over the years, Cooper and Cohen have supported each other through major life events, including the death of Cooper's motherGloria Vanderbiltand thebirths of their respective children. The duo also appear together on TV often — Cooper has been a guest onWatch What Happens Live! with Andy Cohenmultiple times, and the pair have been hosting CNN's New Year's Eve broadcast since 2017.
Though the two have been known to poke jokes at each other, Cohen had somesweet words for Coopershortly after he welcomed his first son, Wyatt. During a May 2020 episode of his SiriusXMRadio Andyshow, Cohen admitted that Cooper's baby announcement "had me in a puddle of tears" as "you really have to jump through a lot of hoops to have a baby as a gay man."
"He went through a lot, and I'm just so happy that his son is so beautiful and happy and healthy. I've already seen Anderson light up and open up in new ways," the Bravo star added.
From going on tour together to becoming "playground dads," here's everything to know about Anderson Cooper and Andy Cohen's friendship.
1990s: Anderson Cooper and Andy Cohen get set up on a blind date by friends
During a December 2017The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon, Cooper and Cohen shared that they first met when friends tried to set them up on a blind date. At the time, Cooper was a reporter at ABC and Cohen was working for CBS.
"We had a phone call to set up the date, and I knew within 45 seconds I was never going on a date with Andy Cohen," Cooper shared with hostJimmy Fallon. "He violated my cardinal rule, which is he asked me about my mom [Gloria Vanderbilt] within the first minute of talking to me."
"I wanted to date the Vanderbilt boy! I was excited!" Cohen exclaimed. Cooper ended up canceling the date.
Early 2000s: Anderson Cooper and Andy Cohen start vacationing with the same group of friends
The friends shared in a December 2017 interview withThe New York Timesthat they both knew businessmanBarry Dillerand began vacationing with him and his friends. "We wound up in this group that would travel together, [Diller] and his friends," Cohen said.
Some of the friends they traveled with included Diller's wife, fashion designerDiane von Furstenberg, and the late talent managerSandy Gallin.
"I remember going up some waterway in a slow-moving boat, talking to you, sort of entranced. Andy, even before he was on TV, was the life of the party," Cooper added.
"Then we would have dinner occasionally, or be at the same party. We went to Croatia in 2005. I was at Bravo then," Cohen continued.
In an August 2015 interview withEntertainment Weekly, Cohen explained, "Really the way we became friends is he and I have been around the world and back together. We've really been around the world together."
September 12, 2010: Anderson Cooper and Andy Cohen sit front row at a DVF show
The duo turned out to support their friend von Furstenberg for her Spring 2011 fashion show during Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week. They were seated next toSarah Jessica Parkerin the front row at the event, which marked one of their first public outings as friends.
December 12, 2010: Anderson Cooper appears onWatch What Happens Live with Andy Cohen
Cooper made his first appearance on Cohen's Bravo show,Watch What Happens Live with Andy Cohenin 2010, alongsideNeNe LeakesfromThe Real Housewives of Atlanta.
Cooper and Leakes had previously spoken about how much they liked the other in various media appearances, but theWWHLepisode was the first time they'd met in person.
November 14, 2014: Anderson Cooper interviews Andy Cohen live to promoteThe Andy Cohen Diaries
When Cohen's second book was released, he asked Cooper to do aninterview with him at the 92nd Street Yin New York City.
The two bantered back and forth, with Cooper telling the audience, "It's a little weird because he was trying to make out with me right before we came out here."
"It was a wonderful night. We have really nice chemistry. ... It isn't good enough to date, but we've got great chemistry," Cohen later shared with theAtlanta Jewish Timesin June 2015.
March 21, 2015: Anderson Cooper and Andy Cohen's AC2 tour kicks off in Boston
Not long after their 92nd St Y appearance, Cooper and Cohen were encouraged to do similar shows around the country.
"My agent was in the crowd [at the 92nd St Y interview], and she was like, 'You guys should take this on the road,' " Cooper shared withTheNew York Times.
Cohen added, "We looked at each other, and, immediately, were like, 'Oh, my God, we can travel the country together.' "
They started the AC2 tour in Boston, as they revealed onWWHL, and have since traveled to 50 different cities.
July 5, 2017: Anderson Cooper and Andy Cohen vacation in Bora Bora together
The duo vacationed together in Bora Bora in 2017. Cohen posted a picture of himself and Cooper with the caption, "Caught a silver fox swimming by a deserted island!"
In it, both wore long-sleeve O'Neill rash guards, and Cohen sported a colorful pair of swim trunks.
December 31, 2017: Anderson Cooper and Andy Cohen host CNN's New Year's Eve broadcast together for the first time
In October 2017, it was announced that Cohen would be joining Cooper to host CNN's New Year's Eve Live broadcast. The decision was made after CNN elected to cut ties withKathy Griffin.
Ahead of the night, Cooper and Cohen spoke to PEOPLE about what viewers could expect from the broadcast.
"Andy is who is he andhe's kind of the life of the party wherever he goes," Cooper said in December 2017. "And I think it's going to reflect our friendship and the comfort we have with each other and the dynamic of our relationship. We're as curious to see where it goes and what happens! We're both eager and excited about it."
December 28, 2018: Anderson Cooper sends well wishes to dad-to-be Andy Cohen
During a December 2018 episode ofWWHL, Cohen revealed that he wasgoing to be a father, and several of his famous friends sent well wishes to the host, including Cooper.
"I'm so excited for Andy, he is going to be a great dad!" the CNN anchor told PEOPLE in December 2018. "And I'm so glad he finally announced it, so I can pepper him with questions on New Year's Eve!"
February 27, 2019: Anderson Cooper spends time with Andy Cohen's newborn son
Shortly after thebirth of Cohen's son, Benjamin Allen, the new dad shared a sweet snap onInstagramof his newborn lying in his crib while Cooper looked on. He wrote in the caption, "Uncle Anderson got an exclusive."
June 17, 2019: Andy Cohen pays tribute to Anderson Cooper's mother Gloria Vanderbilt
AfterVanderbilt's death at 95 years oldin June 2017, Cohen posted a thoughtful tribute to her onInstagram.
"Gloria Vanderbilt was an amazing woman who lived a life filled with incredible peaks and impossible obstacles. Through it all she remained eternally optimistic with a wicked sense of humor," he wrote in the caption.
Cohen continued, "In fact, Anderson's iconic and infectious giggle comes from his mom. Sending Anderson all my love, and may she Rest In Peace."
A few days later, heshared a sweet anecdoteabout Cooper and Vanderbilt. "I think how sweet — every time I saw her with Anderson, he always held her hand, which really touched me," he told PEOPLE.
April 30, 2020: Anderson Cooper welcomes a son and Andy Cohen congratulates him
On April 27, 2020, Cooper welcomed his son,Wyatt Cooper. He shared the news on a broadcast ofAnderson Cooper 360°and on Instagram, posting a sweet picture of himself and Wyatt onInstagram.
Shortly after, the Bravo host shared a picture of Cooper and his newborn onInstagram. "'New life, new hope!' Wyatt Cooper, you couldn't have come at a better time! I know a friend who can't wait to meet you!" he captioned it.
June 22, 2020: Anderson Cooper and Andy Cohen's sons meet for the first time
Cooper and Cohen celebrated Father's Day byintroducing their sons to each other oneduring a virtual episode ofWWHL.
"I thought it would be fun if they met right now," Cohen said. "Look, that's gonna be your good buddy Wyatt," the Bravo host told his son Benjamin as he pointed to Wyatt.
"That's gonna be your good buddy and we're gonna travel together. And if you like him half as much as I like his daddy, you're gonna be great friends," he continued.
September 1, 2020: Andy Cohen posts shirtless pictures of Anderson Cooper
Cohen had some fun with Cooper's vacation photos from years past. He posted a few snaps toInstagramwith the caption, "If it were a normal year, I'd be on vacation with my pal...threatening to post shirtless pics of him. Well, it's 2020 and I'm sitting on my deck so I figured I'd just post without asking and piss him off! #SilverFox."
October 9, 2020: Anderson Cooper and Andy Cohen take their sons on a playdate
Amid the pandemic, Cooper and Cohen ventured out for asocially distanced playdatewith their sons.
"Playground Dads! (Btw my sweater is from @grantedsweatercompany)," Cohen captioned a photo of the pair taken in New York City's Greenwich Village.
December 31, 2020: Anderson Cooper and Andy Cohen take shots during New Year's Eve broadcast
To celebrate the end of 2020, Cooper and Cohentook a round of shotswhile broadcasting the ball drop on New Year's Eve for CNN. The shots came at Cohen's request and Cooper's dismay, and the CNN anchor's reaction to them got more hilarious with each round.
"I have not had a shot since, I think, the last time we were here," Cooper told Cohen before their first drink.
Cohen responded, "You're getting better at it! I would argue that you're getting better at it."
June 2, 2021: Anderson Cooper and Andy Cohen celebrate their birthdays together
Cooper (whose birthday is June 3) and Cohen (whose birthday is June 2)celebrated together at a surprise partywith friends, including Parker and her husband,Matthew Broderick.
They both posted toInstagramfor the occasion, with Cooper writing, "So proud of all you've done, the person you are, and the dad you've become."
December 31, 2021: Anderson Cooper and Andy Cohen host New Year's Eve broadcast
The duo returned to CNN for New Year's Eve in 2021, where they had shots during the broadcast — including one in honor ofBetty White, whodied that December. As the night went on, Cohen got progressively more intoxicated and made comments about former N.Y.C. mayorBill de BlasioandRyan Seacrest.
"If you look behind me, you'll see Ryan Seacrest's group of losers performing. I'm sorry but if you're watching ABC, you're watching nothing," the Bravo host said at one point.
A few days later, Cohen admitted that he had been "overserved" and addressed his comments, saying, "The only thing that I regret saying, the only thing is that I slammed the ABC broadcast. And I really like Ryan Seacret and he's a great guy and I really regret saying that and I was just stupid and drunk and feeling it."
February 12, 2022: Andy Cohen and his son meet Anderson Cooper's second son Sebastian
Of course, Cohen was one of the first people to meet Cooper's second son,Sebastian, a few days after he was born.
OnInstagram, he shared a sweet picture of himself cradling Sebastian while his own son, Benjamin, gently touched the baby's head.
In the caption, Cohen wrote, "Today we met our new pal Sebastian Maisani-Cooper! He's a peaceful beauty. Ben calls him "Wheels"! Mazel to Anderson & Benjamin."
May 9, 2022: Anderson Cooper meets Andy Cohen's daughter Lucy
It was a big year for both Cooper and Cohen. Just a few months afterCooper welcomed Sebastian, Cohenwelcomed a second childof his own, a daughter named Lucy. Cohen shared a sweet picture ofCooper meeting Lucy, which he captioned in part, "Uncle Anderson, keeping Lucy honest!"
November 18, 2022: Andy Cohen speaks about the 2022 New Year's Eve broadcast with Anderson Cooper
In spite of rumors that CNN wouldn't be allowing on-air presenters to drink on camera during the 2022 New Year's Eve broadcast, Cohen said viewers can probably expect to see him and Anderson doing shots together per usual.
"I think people enjoy seeing me feed Anderson shots andthat's on the menu," he shared with PEOPLE.
December 15, 2022: Anderson Cooper and Andy Cohen discuss dating apps
While promoting their upcoming New Year's Eve special onThe Late Show with Stephen Colbert, Cooper and Cohen discussed their dating lives and revealed whether or not they are on the apps. "I'm back out there, I'm on the apps. I'm on Tinder, I'm on Raya," Cohen said.
When Colbert asked if Anderson was on Raya, Cohen jumped in and said, "No, but I would like him to be and I would like him to be on Tinder."
The pair then pitched each other to potential prospects and shared the best things about each other, as well as the downsides.
December 27, 2022: Andy Cohen says he and Anderson Cooper have bonded over being gay dads
Cohen spoke about howhis friendship with Cooperhas evolved since they became parents in an episode of hisTable for Twopodcast.
"We are these geriatric patients hobbling around chasing our children, but look it's another bonding thing," Cohen said.
He also mentioned that he's glad his and Cooper's kids will be able to grow up together.
"I think what is going to be really interesting to us, as it develops, is being gay dads and as our kids start realizing more and more 'Oh I have gay dads.' I am so glad that Ben [Cohen] will grow up with Wyatt [Cooper] and that Ben with grow up seeing Anderson and Benjamin [Maisani] raising Wyatt and Sebastian."
May 7, 2023: Anderson Cooper interviews Andy Cohen forCBS Sunday Morning
Cohen sat down with Cooper for an interview onCBS Sunday Morningto promote his bookThe Daddy Diaries.
"Well, this is weird. I suddenly feel very vulnerable. You need to do yourBarbara WaltersJedi thing right now and make me feel comfortable," Cohen joked.
The two friends mostly discussed the Bravo host's decision to become a single dad.
"Doing this without a partner, did it give you great pause?" Cooper asked. To which Cohen responded: "I'm happy to say it didn't. I just thought, I want to do this and I'm doing it and I know it's going to be really hard. As a single parent, I just worry about being everything to them. I want to be everything to them, and I know how impossible that is, in a weird way."
December 29, 2024: Andy Cohen reveals the most "annoying" part about working with Anderson Cooper
TheWWHLhost revealed to PEOPLE in December 2024 that the most "annoying" part about working with Cooper is how he's forced to eventually "be the straight guy."
"Literally, he's in a puddle of giggles for the last 90 minutes of the broadcast, and I'm the one that's hitting all the commercial breaks," Cohen joked. "I kind of turn into Mr. CNN for the last 90 minutes, and he turns into Mr. Bravo. It's a very funny role reversal."
December 17, 2025: Anderson Cooper jokes he checks online to see how much Andy Cohen "screwed" them over on NYE
During a December 2025 appearance onThe Late Show with Stephen Colbert, Cooper joked that he looks online during the last half-hour of their annual NYE broadcast to check if Cohen hasgotten them into trouble.
"The problem for me is after New Year's Eve, as soon as we get off, really in the last 30 minutes, I'm just looking at things online to see in what ways has he screwed us over," he said. "[What] did he say I'm gonna have to like, clean up after? Will the headline [of] the Drudge Report inevitably be the next morning, 'This is CNN?,' with a picture of this guy?' "
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