Granted, I don’t know much about babies. But little Wyatt Cooper seems especially startled to be on the cover of People Magazine, right? He is very focused on the fact that someone (probably behind the camera) is waving something or making a squeaking sound or perhaps calling his name and Wyatt is all “what do you want, PEASANT?” I love this. People Mag gave Anderson Cooper the cover this week with a lovely interview about what it means to him to have gone through this process as a gay man:
On the air, Anderson Cooper is the epitome of a serious newsman. Off-camera, he’s a seriously besotted new dad. On April 30, the CNN anchor, 53, surprised the world with the emotional announcement on Anderson Cooper 360° that he had become a father three days earlier to baby Wyatt Morgan. Now, he seems like a completely different man, talking with his co-parent and former partner Benjamin Maisani, 47, about feedings, sleep schedules and diapers. It’s an experience he never imagined he’d get to have.
“When I was 12 years old and knew I was gay and thought about my life, it always upset me because I thought, ‘I will never be able to have a kid,’” he says in this week’s PEOPLE cover story for the magazine’s first-ever Pride issue. “This is a dream come true. It feels like my life has actually begun. And I sort of wonder, what was I waiting for? This is a new level of love. It’s unlike anything I’ve experienced, and yet it’s also very familiar and incredibly special and intimate. It’s really extraordinary.”
Becoming a father has also given Cooper new perspective as he works from home, covering momentous news like the coronavirus pandemic and national protests following the death of George Floyd. “I feel invested in the future in a way I hadn’t really before,” he says. “There’s something about having a child that makes you feel connected to what is happening and you want to make sure that the world this child is growing up in is a better one. You suddenly worry much more about the future of all of us.”
Like most new parents, Cooper is exhausted. “I’m more tired than I’ve ever been, but I wouldn’t change it for the world,” he says.
And while sleep may not be coming easily for the star, something else is: tears. “I cry at things I never cried at before,” he admits. “And Benjamin, I’ve never seen him cry, but I couldn’t believe how weepy he gets with Wyatt. I find myself being overwhelmed with emotion, and it’s a lovely thing.”
Cooper says he is also filled with gratitude for “all the lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and queer people who struggled for generations and have died never thinking this was a possibility.”
I wondered if Benjamin would get a mention in this piece and I’m glad to see it – my take is that Anderson and Benjamin have definitely reunited, and they likely reunited last year when Anderson decided to have a child. As for Anderson getting to experience this as a gay man… it’s lovely. And I’m so glad he’s comfortable talking about it because it will make a difference to a lot of LGBTQ kids out there.
Photos courtesy of Backgrid, IG and cover courtesy of People.
Wyatt is the epitome of an old man in a baby’s body. He really does have no time for anyone’s shenanigans.
As my wise old granny says “ he’s been here before!”
He’s a cutie pie.
@ schmootc : He is probably saying “what do you mean there is a waiting list for “the best pre-school in Manhattan”?! My grandmother was a Vanderbilt, you peasants!
Which means Wyatt himself is a Vanderbilt.
Awww…baby Wyatt. Sweet boy.
Wyatt has such a cute, expressive face. I’m so happy for Anderson, who truly seems like a good man.
Anderson looks so happy. Baby Wyatt is a cutie.
That baby is giving me Don Rickels vibes.
Yes to the Don Rickles vibes. Or maybe Winston Churchill. He’s adorable and looks like he has no time for foolishness.
Not sure which is luckier. I saw Anderson’s show the night he made the announcement and it was so moving. This little guy will definitely be loved.
It’s so funny you mention this because.my now 16 year old (who is also named Wyatt) looked like Winston Churchill as a baby. He has an old soul as well.
What a great pic. I’m happy for Anderson, he deserves it.
Everything about this story is wonderful. When everything is crappy and I’m feeling down, I’ve been googling Anderson Cooper New Dad stories and they make me feel better. I’m so happy for him and Benjamin. I don’t know if they have reunited or not but that is one lucky little boy to have so much love.
Yeah, I’m having a really annoying, stressful day, and that grumpy little face has just given me new life! As does Anderson’s joy. Parents all love their kids (hopefully), but anyone who has had to go the extra mile (or 20) to become a parent has a special appreciation for their family.
He’s just a baby, and babies change, but he looks like his grandma Gloria! Adorable.
^^^^
He does look like Gloria.
I’m so happy for AC.
I think Wyatt does have an old soul. He’s been here before.
God everything sucks in the world but babies…babies are so dam beautiful. I’m so happy for Anderson, it’s always amazing too see someone who really wanted to be a parent become one.
Lucky baby 🙂
Bebeh Wyatt looks just like Gloria. I agree with everything Anderson said about being a parent and I’m happy he’s happy.
I have always liked Anderson Cooper; I enjoy watching his reports and find his stories to be interesting and well-researched. I am so happy for him that he has found peace with Wyatt and Benjamin. Wyatt’s expression is priceless; he is an old-soul and is not here to play around!
Baby Wyatt def looks like Grandma Gloria Vanderbilt!! Same eyes!
I am so happy for Anderson. I have a few friends who have run into him in NY and they all have wonderful things to say. His baby is a beauty.
Most underrated headline, LOL!!! His expression was cracking me up.
So cute. I love Anderson. So happy for him and his family.
I kept trying to figure out which celebrity Wyatt’s face reminds me of. I finally have.
Benny Hill.