It comes as no surprise that Anderson Cooper is widely recognized as one of the most distinguished journalists out there. His lineage may be linked to the iconic family of Vanderbilt’s, most of Anderon’s wealth is self-earned which is undeniably remarkable. He has proven his worth to achieve what he has earned. Speaking of earnings, let’s look deeper into his net worth, professional career, and how he got to where he is today.
Anderson Cooper’s Estimated Net Worth
While it is reported that Anderson Cooper has a net worth of around $200 million, most estimates show him to have approximately $60 million but could climb well above depending on further growth in business amongst other sectors. And because of Cooper’s success as an author, television presenter, and commentator, this amount should be sufficient for him to be set for life.
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How Much Does Anderson Cooper Make Annually?
Although it is hard to believe, people regard Anderson Cooper as one of the highest-paid news anchors, with a reported income of about $20 million a year from CNN alone. With a combination of his title of a political journalist and his show Anderson Cooper 360° that should come as no surprise.
Apart from working for CNN, Cooper has expanded his career with initiatives that supplement his annual earnings. These include co-hosting CNN’s Californian New Year with Andy Cohen, penning down books, and distributing documentaries.
A Diverse Income Portfolio
- Books and Publications
Anderson Cooper is an accomplished author. Notable works include The Rainbow Comes and Goes: A Mother and Son on Life, Love, and Loss book as well as Vanderbilt: The Rise and Fall of an American Dynasty, which earned both him and his publishers good reviews and money.
- Television and Media Projects
Cooper has also taken up other significant roles, apart from the roles that are exclusively CNN’s:
- Between 2001 and 2008, Cooper hosted a version of The Mole — a reality game show.
- In 2021, he was a guest host on Jeopardy! as an invited featured person.
- His mother appears with him in the HBO documentary Nothing Left Unsaid: Gloria Vanderbilt and Anderson Cooper.
- Podcasts and Digital Presence
Another source of income for Cooper is the podcast All There Is with Anderson Cooper, which helps him reach a wider audience.
The Vanderbilt Legacy and Inheritance
Cooper stands out as a direct descendant of the railroad tycoon Cornelius Vanderbilt, who lived in the nineteenth century, but the Vanderbilt fortune has not survived the sands of time. His mother, Gloria Vanderbilt, a fashion model, in Brisbane, once an heiress, treated a fair amount of her fortune as ‘disposable’ throughout her life. After her demise in 2019, she left Cooper with a small amount of $1.5 million.
Cooper, on the other hand, has appeared in several interviews saying that he has never had the benefit of the family’s wealth growing up. For instance, as he quipped in a 2014 interview with Howard Stern:
“Such is my life I have never believed in inheriting money. I do not build myself around comfort or wait for a pot of gold to be discovered and delivered home unless I am.
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The Path to Success
- Early Career
Cooper’s story started from the bottom, quite literally. His career started at Yale University where he graduated in 1989. Soon after he became a reporter for Channel One News where he reported the political turmoil in Myanmar and worked as a fact-check reporter.
- Breakthrough at CNN
In 2001, Cooper got the chance to join CNN where he worked as a news correspondent starting only in 2001. Two short years later, he became known as the host of Anderson Cooper 360°, ever since the show has become one of the most valued and regarded in the CNN channels.
- Versatility and Star Power
Cooper’s adaptability is perhaps the best way to characterize his career achievements. From reporting live during crucial events to starring in talking political panels, or just having some fun during the New Year’s Eve Live, he has demonstrated that he knows how to interact with various audiences.
A Lifestyle of Balance
People consider Anderson Cooper balanced despite his wealth, and he even jokes about it. During an interview with Stephen Colbert on The Late Show, he mentioned that his son Wyatt wears clothes from Andy Cohen’s son because he prefers not to spend a lot of money.
“I’m naturally a cheapskate. I believe in being cost-effective,” he said.
It is such a frame of mind that allows him to remain so down to earth despite having millions of dollars in his bank account.
The Impact of Anderson Cooper’s Career
- Journalistic Excellence
Many awards have come Cooper’s way throughout his work on Anderson Cooper 3600 which is one of the factors contributing to becoming one of the most respected journalists of all time. Not once during his life has he ever failed to cover the most crucial stories of major catastrophes such as Hurricane Katrina or major wars.
- Cultural Icon
There is more to Cooper, not just his news reporting. Many times he engages in popular culture such as on CNN New Year’s Eve Live when he is with his friend Andy Cohen, which helps his fans to relax in between the times when he is delivering heavy news stories.
- Philanthropy and Advocacy
Aside from creating such distinct artworks, Cooper actively supports LGBTQ rights and addresses mental health issues, although he does not publicly endorse these causes.
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Conclusion
Anderson Cooper’s various traits across journalism greatly contribute to his wealth. Through his reporting and presence in front of a television camera, he has built an empire more valuable than dollars. Billions of people on Earth admire and revere him.
His story may include the fact that he belongs to the Vanderbilt family, but his achievements are primarily attributable to his skill, dedication, and perseverance. Anderson Cooper is among the best-paid and best-known journalists who not only care for their net worth but whose most remarkable contribution is their role in world history and other activities.
