Andy Cohen, a well-known American radio and television talk show host, producer, and writer, has made a significant impact on the entertainment industry. His fame stems from his role as the host of the Bravo late-night talk show, Watch What Happens Live with Andy Cohen, and his executive producer role in The Real Housewives franchise. However, amidst his successful career, people have often wondered about his sexual orientation.
Early Life and Career
Born on June 2, 1968, in St. Louis, Missouri, to parents Evelyn and Lou Cohen, Andy has a sister named Emily Rosenfeld. He comes from a Jewish background, with ancestral roots in Poland, Russia, and Lithuania. Cohen graduated from Clayton High School in 1986 and pursued a Bachelor of Science degree in broadcast journalism at Boston University. During his time at Boston University, he contributed to The Daily Free Press, the student newspaper, and interned at CBS News, working alongside Julie Chen.
Cohen’s journey in television began as an intern at CBS News, where he spent a decade, eventually holding positions such as senior producer for The Early Show, producer for 48 Hours, and producer for CBS This Morning. In 2000, he joined the television network Trio and later became vice president of original programming at Bravo in 2004 when the network acquired Trio.
At Bravo, Cohen played a pivotal role in creating original content, devising innovative formats, and discovering new talent. Additionally, he served as an executive producer for the award-winning reality cooking competition show, Top Chef.
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Coming Out and Personal Life
Andy Cohen holds the distinction of being the first openly gay late-night talk show host in the United States. He came out to his family and friends at the age of 22, drawing inspiration from the AIDS epidemic and the activism within the gay community during the late 1980s and early 1990s. He also cited influential role models such as Anderson Cooper, Ellen DeGeneres, and Rosie O’Donnell.
While Cohen has had various relationships over the years, he has not been married. Some of his past partners include Clifton Dassuncao, a Harvard PhD student; John Hill, a SiriusXM radio host; Sean Avery, a former NHL player; and Anderson Cooper, a CNN anchor and journalist. Cohen and Cooper maintain a close friendship and often tour together for their live show, AC2: An Intimate Evening with Anderson Cooper & Andy Cohen.
In December 2018, Cohen announced his plans to become a father in 2019 through surrogacy. He welcomed his son, Benjamin Allen Cohen, on February 4, 2019, naming him in honor of his late grandfather, Ben Allen. Cohen frequently shares glimpses of his son on his social media platforms.
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Achievements and Controversies
Andy Cohen’s contributions to the entertainment industry have earned him several prestigious awards, including a Primetime Emmy Award and two Peabody Awards. He is also an accomplished author, with three New York Times best-selling books to his name: “Most Talkative” (2012), “The Andy Cohen Diaries” (2014), and “Superficial” (2016).
On Sirius XM, he operates a pop culture channel called Radio Andy, where he hosts a bi-weekly two-hour live show with co-host John Hill. Additionally, he hosts the revived version of the dating show “Love Connection” and continues to helm “Watch What Happens Live with Andy Cohen,” along with his role as an executive producer of The Real Housewives franchise.
Despite his successes, Andy Cohen has faced criticism for certain opinions and actions. Notably, he declined an offer to co-host the Miss Universe pageant in Russia in 2013, citing the country’s adoption of anti-gay laws.
Furthermore, his portrayal of Zeus in Lady Gaga’s “G.U.Y.” music video in 2014, featuring controversial imagery, including the depiction of Jesus Christ as gay, sparked considerable backlash. In a 2015 interview, he also faced criticism for asking Oprah Winfrey if she had ever swum in her own pool.
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Conclusion
Andy Cohen stands as a prominent figure in the media landscape, celebrated for his charisma, humor, and creativity. As one of the most influential gay celebrities in America, he takes pride in his identity and sexuality. Additionally, he is a loving father to his son, Benjamin.
His impact on the entertainment industry is undeniable, and he remains unafraid to express his beliefs and advocate for what he holds dear. In essence, Andy Cohen is Andy Cohen, and he is openly gay, a testament to his authenticity and influence.
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